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THE 


MALTE-BRUN SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY 




m 


SAVAGE LIFE. 








































































































































































































































































A SYSTEM 


SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY, 

CHIEFLY ^DERIVED FROM 

MALTE-BRUN, 

I AND ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE INDUCTIVE PLAN 

INSTRUCTION. 

5 BY S. GRISWOLD GOODRICH. . • 

. A f/ 

/ 7 -- 

^ . 'TWENTIETH EDITION. 


I 

NEW-YORK: 

PUBLISHED BY F. J. HUNTINGTON & CO. 

174 PEARL STREET, 

and for sale bythe principal booksellers in the united states- 

^ . 1839.. . ''a 







t 


DISTRICT OP CONNECTICUT, as. 



Be it remembered, That on the eighth day of October in the fifty-fifth year of the Independence of 
fi the United States of America, H. & P. J. Huntington of the said District, have deposited in this 
* * * office the title of a Book, the right whereof they claim as Proprietors in the words following, to wit: 

“A system of School Geography, chiefly derived from Malte-Brun, and arranged according to the inductive plan 
of instruction. -By S. Griswold Goodrich.” In conformity to the act of Congress of the L nited States, entitled 
“An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the authors 
and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned.” And also to the act entitled,‘‘An act 
supplementary to an act, entitled ‘An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, 
charts, and books, to the authors and Proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned,’and 
extending the benefits thereof lotlte arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints. 

CHA’S A. INGERSOLL, 

- Clerk of the District of CotmecticuU 


A true copy of record, examined and sealed by me, 

CHA’S A. INGERSOLL, 

- Clerk of the District of Connecticut^ 


I 

PUBLISHERS’ NOTICE. 


In bringing a second edition of the Malte-Brun School Geography before 
the public, it may not be improper to state a few particulars concerning 
it. The expenses arising from the designs, the engravings, the steel 
naps and stereotype tables, rendered it by far the most costly publication 

of the kind, that has ever been attempted in America. The publishers 

* 

acknowledge, however, that the liberal patronage bestowed upon the work 
is likely to afford compensation for the investments they have made in it. 
In the space of eighteen months from the first publication, fifteen thou¬ 
sand copies have been sold, and orders for ten tliousand more are in hand. 

Encouraged by this success, the publishers have added two costly maps 
to the Atlas, one of the Southern and one of the Western States. The 
work has also been revised, and many improvements have been made 
It may be proper to remark, that the publishers have noticed in other 
School Geographies, several copies and imitations of maps, tables, engrav¬ 
ings and figures, which were original in .this work, and which should 
have been protected by the copy-right; +hey therefore deem it necessary 
to add, that every further violation of their rights, will receive the notice 
due to such frauds. ' , • i v 


Vv Ay '*3 , u V I V » b itlT-j I 




6. MARTINSON, PRINTER. 


' A 

V V \ 


/ 




✓ 






PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. 


In the first edition of this work, the author stated the views which^ 
governed him in its compilation, at some length. But as the book is now 
in general circulation, it can only be necessary to repeat the substance of 
what was then said. . ' 

The common method of teaching geography requires the feeble intellect 
of childhood, with a small stock of ideas, and a very limited vocabulary 
of words, immediately to comprehend the solar system; a task which de¬ 
mands the energy of a mature mind. It then proceeds in the attempt to 
make the pupil, before he knows the world in detail, embrace its vast cir¬ 
cumference, with its continents, oceans, rivers, seas, kingdoms, empires 
and states, in one grand view. A single glance is sufficient to satisfy us 
that in this way we require of the pupil what he is unable to perform. 

In the present work the course is reversed. The pupil is made to begin 
with the spot where he lives ; he is called upon to describe first the place 
and the objects which have been familiar to him from infancy. He is then 
led to the adjacent towns, and in the next place, is made acquainted with 
his native state and his native country. Thus initiated he is taught the 
use of maps and is made to trace upon them the various physical and 
political divisions of the globe. 

Being familiarized with maps, acquainted with the shape of the globe, 
and possessing a few elementary ideas, he takes a more particular survey 
of the individual states which compose the Union, and of the United States 
as a nation. He is made minutely acquainted with the face of the country, 
soil, climate, productions and animals, and the political and religious insti¬ 
tutions of his native land. He is now supposed to be qualified to enter 
upon the survey of foreign countries. Accordingly he proceeds to the 
different parts of the American continent, and afterwards to Europe, Africa, 
Asia, and the islands of the Pacific. 

Such is a brief sketch of the leading peculiarity of this work. It is 
proper to remark, that although the author designates his jilan as inductive^ 
yet he has endeavored not to be the slave of system. He has written 
with the pupil constantly present to his imagination, and has therefore, 
in some instances, sacrificed theoretical consistency, to what was deemed 
greater practical utility. 

The author has not confined his attempts at improvement, to arrange¬ 
ment only. He believes that most of the school geographies in use, are so 
compendious as necessarily to fail of their object. The few brief words 
they bestow upon the description of a country, seem to be insufficient to 
convey any distinct picture of it. The terms used are necessarily very 
generd, and while they render the study uninteresting, they actually 
furnish the pupil with very few clear ideas. The author has attempted 
to remedy this defect by more copious details, by a freer, and in some 
cases a more familiar style, and by presenting subjects calculated to excite 
the interest and fix the attention of youth. 

In the atlas, beside the ordinary maps, several new ones will be found. 
The map of the Atlantic ocean, its islands and shores, and the map of the 
Pacific ocean, its islands and coasts, are of such obvious importance, that 
we can hardly fail to wonder that they have never been used before. The 
polar projection of the northern and southern hemispheres, the compara¬ 
tive chart of countries, islands, oceans, seas, and lakes, and the engraved 
picture of the world, are all peculiar to this work, and it is thoiagHt will 
be found useful auxiliaries. 

Boston, 1832. ' 




SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS. 


The author would recommend that the teacher should ask the pupil 
many questions respecting the town and country in which he lives ; the 
rivers, mountains, lands and places he has seen; the distances of places 
and objects with which he is acquainted, from each other, &c. This being 
done, two points will be gained; the pupil will have distinct ideas of the 
elements of Geographical knowledge, and the machinery of the mind, 
being once set in motion, will continue to operate w’ith vigor and elFect. 

The ingenuity and industry of the pupil maybe exerciK''ed by a constant 
study of the maps, by drawing maps, and by making Ovit comparative 
tables, of countries, rivers, cities, &c. 

The pictures in this work are not introduced for ornament. They are 
designed to convey information by visible images, the most forcible of all 
language. The pupil should be required to give a minute description of 
each picture. He may be instructed to divide the picture into three parts, 
the fore ground, middle ground, and back ground. Let the teacher first 
ask him what is in the fore ground, then what is in the middle ground, 
and lastly what is in the back ground. If the author is not mistaken this 
will be an agreeable exercise for the pupil; it will give distinctness to his 
ideas, permanency to his knowledge, and will at the same time cultivate 
his taste. It might be a useful exercise for tire pupil to w’rite descriptions 
of the pictures; and if rewards or preferments are given in the school, 
to let them be given to those who excel in these descriptions. 

One of the greatest difficulties encountered by the young student of 
Geography, is that of forming an idea of the figure of the earth, and a 
relative situation of places. With the aid of the picture of the world in 
the Atlas, the teacher will find it easy to make the pupil comprehend this 
subject. 

It will be observed that in the first part of this book the author has en¬ 
deavored to lead the pupil forward by easy gradations. The questions are 
at first very simple, and throughout the preliminary lessons he is only 
required to recite with the Atlas before him. Beginning at home, he is 
led by a series of interrogations over the w'hole w’orld, and is thus present¬ 
ed with the shapes of continents, countries, islands, oceans, seas, lakes, 
and rivers, and with the relative positions of all these various objects which 
occupy the surface of the earth. Having thus made'himself familiar with 
maps, and the ground work of Geograp%, he is led on to the descriptions 
of countries. As he proceeds, the questions he is required to answer, 
become more comprehensive, and towards the latter part of the volume, 
both the memory and understanding are called to a more severe exercise. 

The author has thus briefly suggested his views, and leaves it to such 
teachers as make use of the book, to judge how far they may be worthy 
of observance. 



CONTENTS 


1 rage 

Preliminary Lessons. 9 

I. Towns, Villages and Cities. 9 

II. Mountains, Hills, Valleys, Plains, 

Soil, and Products. 9 

III. Rivers, Ponds, Lakes. 9 

IV. County. 9 

V. State. _ 9 

VI. Maps. 10 

VII. Land. 10 

VIII. Water. 10 

IX. General Questions. 10 

X. Shape of the Earth. 11 

XI. Latitude and Longitude /12 

XII. Zones and Climates. 12 

Sections 

1, 2 State of Maine. 13 

3, 4 New Hampshire. 15 

5, 6 Vermont. 17 

7, 8 Massachusetts. 19 

9, 10 Rhode Island. 22 

11, 12 Connecticut. 24 

14, 15 New England. 27 

16, 17 New York. 32 

18, 19 New Jersey. 35 

20, 21 Pennsylvania. 36 

22, 23 Delaware. 40 

24, 25 The Four Middle States. 41 

26, 27 Maryland. 43 

28, 29 District of Columbia. 45 

30, 31 Virginia. 46 

32, 33 North Carokna. 48 

34, 35 South Carolina. , 50 

36, 37 Georgia. 51 

38, 39 Alabama. 53 

40, 41 Mississippi. 54 

42, 43 Louisiana. 55 

44, 45 The Southern States. 57 

46, 47 Tennessee. 59 

48, 49 Kentucky. 60 

50, 51 Ohio. . 61 

52, 53 Indiana. > ' 63 

54, 55 Illinois. 64 

56, 57 Missouri. 65 

58, 59 The Western States. 66 

60, 61 Michigan Territory. 68 

62, 63 North-West Territory. 68 

64, 65 Arkansas Territory. 69 

66, 67 Missouri Territory. 70 

68, 69 Oregon Territory. 71 

70, 71 Florida. 72 

72, 73 The six Territories. 73 


Sections Page 

74, 75 United States. General View. 74 

76, 77 Lower Canada. 81 

78, 79 Upper Canada. - 83 

80, 81 New Brunswick. 83 

82, 83 Nova Scotia. 84 

84, 85 Newfoundland. 85 

86, 87 New Britain. 86 

88, 89 British Possessions. General View. 88 

90, 91 Russian Possessions. > 89 

92, 93 Greenland. 90 

94, 95 Iceland. 91 

96, 97 Mexico. 92 

98, 99 Guatimala. 95 

100,101 North America. General View. 96 

102, 103 West Indies. " 101 

104, 105 Colombia. 102 

106, 107 Guiana. 105 

108, 109 Peru. . 106 

110, 111 Brazil. 108 

112, 113 Bolivia. ^ 110 

114, 115 United Provinces*^, 112 

116, 117 Chili. 114 

118, 119 Patagonia. . 116 

120, 121 Islands. 117 

122, 123 South America. General View. 118 

124,* 125 Continent of America. General 

View. 120 

126, 127 Atlantic Ocean. 125 

128, 129 England. 128 

130, 131 Wales. ' ' ^ 132 

132, 133 Scotland. ' 133 

134, 135 Ireland. ^ 135 

136, 137 British Empire. General View. 137 

138, 139 France. 139 

140, 141 Spain. ' 142 

142, 143 Portugal. 144 

144, 145 Italy. Separate countries. 146 

146 Italy. General View. 147 

147, 148 Turkey in Europe. 150 

149, 150 Greece. 152 

151, 152 Ionian Republic. 153 

153, 154 Switzerland. 154 

155, 156 Austria. l57 

157, 158 Germany. 159 

159 Germany. General View. 161 

160, 161 Prussia. 162 

162, 163 Poland. 164 

164, 165 Russia in Europe. 165 

166, 167 Lapland. 16? 

168, 169 Norway. 168 

170, 171 Sweden. 169 







8 


CONTENTS. 


Sections Page 

172, 173 Denmark. 170 

174, 175 Netherlands and Belgium. 172 

176, 180 Europe. General View. 173 

181, 182 Algiers, &,c. , 

183 Barbary Slates. General View. 183 
184, 185 Great Desert. 185 

186, 187 Countries of Central Africa. 188 

188, 189 Senegambia 192 

190, 191 Sierra Leone. 193 

192, 193 Liberia. 195 

194, 195 Guinea. 195 

196, 197 Loango, Congo, &c. 197 

198, 199 Cinibebas. 199 

200, 201 Country of the Hottentots. 199 

202, 203 Colony of the Cape. 201 

204, 205 CartVaria. 202 

206, 207 Countries between Caffraria and 

Abyssinia. 204 

208, 209 Abyssinia. 205 

210,211 Nubia. 207 

212, 213 Egypt. 208 

214, 215 African Islands. 2ll 

216, 218 Africa. General View. 214 

219, 220 Arabia. 219 

221, 222 Turkey in Asia. 224 

223, 224 Caucasian Countries. 228 

225, 226 Russia in Asia. 229 

227, 228 Independent Tarlary. 232 

229, 230 Persia. 233 

231, 232 Afghanistan. 236 

233, 234 Beloochislan. 238 

235, 236 Hindostan. Ceylon. 239 

237, 238 Chin India. 246 

239, 240 Malacca. 249 * 

241, 242 China Proper. 250 

243, 244 Thibet. 255 

245, 246 Chinese Tartary. 257 

247, 248 Corea. 259 

249, 250 ChineseEmpire. General View. 261 
251,252 Japan. 261 

253, 255 Asia. General View. 264 

256, 257 North Western Oceanica. 268 

’ 258, 259 Central Oceanica. 271 

260, 261 Eastern Oceanica. 274 

262, 263 Oceanica. General View. 276 


Sections Page 

General View of the World. 280 

264 Divisions of Land and Water. 280 

265 Continents. Five Grand Divi¬ 

sions. 280 

266 Islands. 280 

267 Peninsulas. 280 

268 Isthmuses. 280 

269 Capes. * 280 

270 Oceans. 280 

271 Seas. 280 

272 Lakes. 280 

273 Bays. 280 

274 Gulfs. 280 

275 Straits. ' / 280 

276 Sounds. 281 

277 Mountains. 281 

278 Volcanoes and Earthquakes. 281 

279 Valleys. 281 

280 Plains. ' 281 

281 Deserts. 281 

282 Caverns. 281 

283 Geology. 282 

284 Springs. , 282 

285 Glaciers. 282 

286 Streams, Rivers, Torrents. 282 

287 Cataracts and Cascades. 283 

288 The Sea. 283 

289 Tides. 283 

290 Currents in the Ocean. 284 

291 Winds. 284 

292 Climate and Seasons. 284 

293 Vegetables. 284 

294 Annuals. 284 

295 Man. 284 

296 Language. 285 

297 Religion. 285 

298 Christian Missions. . 286 

299 Political Divisions. 286 

300 Population of the Globe. 286 

SOI Habitations. 286 

302 Food—Drink. , 286 

303 Dress. 287 

304 Classes of Nations. 287 

305 The Earth considered as a Ce¬ 

lestial Body. 287 





PRELIMINARY LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS. 


I. TOWNS, VILLAGES AND CITIES. 

A Town consists of lands, houses, pub¬ 
lic buildings, roads, and inhabitants. The 
lands belong to different people, and are 
used for building houses upon, for raising 
grain, grass, and vegetables, and for feed¬ 
ing horses, cattle and sheep. The inhab¬ 
itants occupy the houses. Some of them 
are merchants, and are engaged in buying 
and selling goods—some are farmers, and 
till the land—some are mechanics, such 
as carpenters, shoemakers, &c.; some em7 
ploy themselves in one occupation, and 
Borne in another. 

Public buildings consist of meeting¬ 
houses and churches, school-houses, &c. 
The meeting-houses and churches are 
used for people to worship God in. Dif¬ 
ferent people choose different modes of 
worship. 

A City is a large town, usually situated 
on a river, or near the sea. Vessels of 
various kinds are to be seen on the water 
near most cities. 

A village consists of a small collection 
of houses. 

Questions. Do you live in a Town, 
City, or Village ? What is the name of 
the place you live in ? How many houses 
do you imagine there are in the town you 
live in ? How many people, do you think ? 
How many merchants in the place you 
live in? How are the people where you 
I live principally occupied ? How many 
I churches and meeting-houses in the place 
I where you live? What names are given 
to the several meeting-houses and church¬ 
es ? 

The teacher will here add such questions 
relative to the place that the pupil is in, as 
may direct his attention to the principal ob¬ 
jects, such as Colleges, Court-houses, Acad- 
\ emies, 4 'c. 

II. MOUNTAINS, HILLS, VALLEYS, 
PLAINS, SOIL, PRODUCTS. 

I In some places the land is level ; in 
i others it is uneven. Very high elevations 
j of land are called mountains. Mountains 
!i are usually covered with woods or for- 
) ests. Small elevations of land are called 
hills. Low places between hills or moun- 
i tains are called valleys ; extensive level 
I places are called plains. In some towns, 

I the land is fertile and produces fine crops ; 
j in others, the land is barren and produces 
very little. 

Is the face of the country alike in all 
' places ? What are mountains ? Did you 
ever see a mountain? Where was it? 
What was it called ? What was it cover¬ 
ed with? What other mountains have 
, you seen ? What is a hill ? Tell where 
I there is a hill. What is a valley ? Tell 
i where there is a valley. What is a plain ? 

'I'ell where there is a plain. Is the soil 
i fertile in the town where you live ? What 
I hinds of grain are raised by the farmers 
I wlie»e you reside? Do tliey raise many 


cattle and horses ? What do the farmers 
chiefly raise? What kinds of fruit are 
common where you live ? 

The teacher will of course vary these ques¬ 
tions, to suit the particular circumstances of 
the pupil. 

HI. RIVERS, PONDS, LAKES. 

In some towns there are rivers, which 
consist of water flowing between two 
banks. Some rivers are large enough for 
ships to sail upon them. In some places, 
there are lakes and ponds, which are col¬ 
lections of water surrounded by the land. 
A lake is a large collection of water; a 
pond is a smaller collection. The Sea is 
a collection of salt water, upon which 
ships sail. 

What do rivers consist of? Did you 
ever see a river? Where was it.'' What 
was it called ? Which way did it flow ? 
Was it a large or a small river? Do ves¬ 
sels sail upon it? Do you know where it 
rises or begins? Do you know where it 
goes to ? Does it empty into the sea, or 
some other river? Do you know how 
long it is? What is a lake ? Did you ever 
see a lake ? Where was it ? What was 
it called? How far across it? How far 
around it ? What is a pond ? Did you 
ever see a pond ? Its name ? Where is 
it ? How large is it ? What is the sea ? 
Did you ever see the sea? What sea 
was it ? 

IV. COUNTY. 

A county generally consKts of several 
towns. One of these towns is called the 
Shire Town or County Town; this is 
usually the largest town in the county, 
and has a jail, or prison, and a court¬ 
house. 

What does a county consist of? What 
is one town in each county called ? Is a 
shire town usually the largest town in 
the county ? What buildings has a shire 
town ? What county do you live in ? How 
many towns compose the county? What 
are the names of these towns ? What is 
the shire town ? In which direction is the 
shire town from you? Point your finger 
toward it. Which road leads to it ? How 
many miles to it ? If a man were to steal 
a horse in the town where you live, where 
would he be imprisoned? What rivers in 
the county where you live? What moun¬ 
tains ? 

V. STATE. 

A State consists of several counties, and 
contains many towns. One of these towns 
is called the capital, because it is the seat 
of government. The government of a 
State consists of a Governor, Senate, and 
House of Representatives ; they assemble 
at the capital, once or twice a year, to at¬ 
tend to the business of the State. When 
assembled, they are called the Legisla¬ 
ture, and make laws for the State. The 
Governor, and members of Uie Senate anti 







10 


PRELIMINARY LESSONS 


House of Representatives are chosen by 
the people. 

What does a State consist of? What 
does a State contain ? Why is one town 
in eacli State called the Capital ? W^hat 
is a capital ? What does the government 
of a State consist of.-’ How often do 
members of the government assemble at 
the Capital ? For what purpose do they 
assemble? W^'liat are they called when 
they assemble ? What do the Legislature 
do ? By whom are the Governor and mem¬ 
bers of the Legislature chosen ? What is 
the name of the State you live in ? W^hat 
is the Capital ? Is it a town or city ? In 
which direction is it from you ? How far 
off is it ? Who is governor of the State 
you live in ? How often does the Legis¬ 
lature of your State meet? Who are the 
members of the Legislature for the town 
you live in ? What is election day ? Were 
you ever at the Capital of your State ? Can 
you describe the State House? Describe 
the town. 

VI. MAPS. 

Let the pupil place before him the Map 
which contains the State he lives in.—Let 
him be seated with his face towards the 
North, and be shown the figure of his own 
State on the Map. 

You have before you a Map. On this 
Map, is a picture of the State you live in. 
It shows the shape of the State, the prin¬ 
cipal rivers and mountains in it; it shows 
the counties, with the shire town of each. 
7’he Map also shows, what States lie 
around the State you live in. Remember 
that the top of a Map is always North, the 
right hand East, the bottom part South, 
the lefi;*“hand West.—Now answer the 
following questions, with the Map before 
you. 

What have you before you ? What is 
on this Map ? W’^hat does this Map show ? 
W'^hat rivers are there in the State you live 
in? What mountains ? How many Coun¬ 
ties? Tell the Counties, with the Shire 
Town of each. W’hat is the Capital of 
the State you live in? Point your finger 
toward the North. Toward the East. 
Toward the South. Toward the W'^est. 
WHiich point of the compass does the top 
of the Map represent ? The right hand ? 
Bottom part ? Left hand ? What County 
lies ne.\t North of the one you live in ? 
What next East ? South ? West ? How 
is the State you live in bounded on the 
North ? East ? South ? West ? 

Let the teacher here go through the Maps 
hi the Atlas, asking questions of all the States 
and Countries, the pupil giving his answers 
with the Maps before him. 

VII. LAND. 

A Continent is a great extent of land, 
containing many countries. America is a 
Continent. A country is a portion of the 
land, distinguished from the rest of the 
Continent by a ]>articular name. Mexico 


re a country; ttie Crilted States, Colonv 
bia, and Peru, are countries. 

An Island is a portion of the land quite 
surrounded by water. Terra del Fuego is 
an Island. 

A Peninsula is a portion of land which 
is almost surrounded by water. South 
America is a Peninsula. 

A Cape is a point of land which runs 
out into the sea, as Cape Cod in Massa¬ 
chusetts. 

An Isthmus is a narrow strip of land' 
between two seas, and unites a Peninsula 
with the main land. The strip of land 
which connects North and South America 
is ah Isthmus. 

A shore or coast is a part of the land 
which is washed by the sea. 

WMiat is a Continent ? What Continent 
on the Map of the W'estern Hen)isphere ? 
On the Eastern ? What is an Island ? 
What Islands on the map of Europe, &.c. ? 

Let the teacher add other necessai~y ques¬ 
tions. 

VIII. WATER. 

An Ocean is a vast extent of salt water, 
including several seas and islands, as the 
Atlantic Ocean. 

A Sea is a collection of salt water, near¬ 
ly enclosed by land, hut connected with 
the ocean, as the Caribbean Sea. 

A Gulf is a portion of water which is 
almost surrounded by land, as the Gulf of 
Mexico. 

A Bay is a portion of water extending 
up into the land, as Hudson’s Bay. 

A Sound is a small sea, so shallow that 
its depth may be sounded or measured by 
a line. 

A Strait is a narrow channel connecting 
two bodies of water. 

Let the teacher add questions here like the 
following: What is an Ocean ? Where is 
' the Atlantic Ocean 1 The Pacific ? The In¬ 
dian 7 4'c. TVhat is a Sea 7 Where is the 
Caribbean Sea, S(c. 

IX. GENERAL QUESTIONS. 

Let the pupil answer the following ques¬ 
tions with the Map of Mew-England before 
him. 

How is Maine bounded ? How many 
counties in Maine ? Tell the names of 
these Counties, with the Shire Town of 
each. What is the Capital ? Tell the 
direction of each of the Shire Towns from 
the Capital. W’hat lakes in Maine ? What 
mountains ? What rivers ? 

Let the pupil answer the same questions for 
each of the M. England States. Let him also 
answer the same questions for each of the 
Middle States, with the Map of the Middle 
States before him. 

Let the pupil answer the following ques¬ 
tions, with the Map of the United States be¬ 
fore him. Let him do the same as to the maps 
of the Southern and Western States. 

How’ is Maine bounded? Direction 
from you^ Principal rivers in Madney* 



PRELIMiNARV LESSONS. 


11 


"Lti the p^tpil ansrcer the same questions 
for each of the United States. Let him then 
nnsicer the following questions. 

How many are there of the United 
States ? How many Territories in the 
United States? Tell their names. 

Let the pupil answer the following ques¬ 
tions, with the Map of Morth America before 
him. 

How are the United States bounded ? 
British America? Russian possessions? 
Mexico? Guatiinala? Tell the capital of 
each of these countries, with its direction 
from you. What are the five largest rivers 
of North America ? The principal ranges 
of mountains? Principal lakes? 

Let the pupil place before him the Map of 
the Western Hemisphere. 

Here is a representation of America. 
It is a vast extent of land, of an irregular 
shape, placed between two oceans, and 
■contains many mountains, valleys, rivers, 
•akes, countries, towns, cities, villages, 
and many millions of inhabitants. It is 
divided into North and South America— 
they are nearly separated, and are only 
connected by a narrow strip of land. 

What is America? What does Ameri¬ 
ca contain ? What two Oceans does 
America lie between ? What Ocean is 
East? What Ocean West ? How is Amer¬ 
ica divided ? How is it nearly separated ? 
By what are North and South America 
united ? Point your finger towards South 
America. 

Let the pupil place before him the Map of 
S. America, and answer the following ques¬ 
tions. 

How is Colombia bounded ? What is 
the Capital ? How is Peru bounded ? Cap¬ 
ital ? Boundaries of Bolivia ? Capital? 
Boundaries of Chili ? Capital? Bounda¬ 
ries of Patagonia? Boundaries of United 
Provinces ? Capital ? Boundaries of Bra¬ 
zil ? Capital? Boundaries of Guiana? 
Three principal towns? How is South 
America bounded ? What three great 
'ivers in S. America? Into what ocean 
do these three rivers flow ? What great 
range of mountains in South America? 
In what direction does this range of moun¬ 
tains run ? In which direction are the fol¬ 
lowing places from Santa Fe de Bogota? 
Stabrock ? Pernambuco? Rio Janeiro? 
Buenos Ayres? Terra del Fuego? San¬ 
tiago ? Potosi ? Lima ? 

Let the pupil answer the folloioing ques¬ 
tions, with the Map of the Atlantic Ocean be¬ 
fore him. 

What Continent West of the Atlantic 
Ocean ? What countries next east of the 
Atlantic Ocean ? What ocean does a ves¬ 
sel cross in going to England ? What is 
the general direction of a vessel’s track in 
going to Europe? What is the distance 
across the Atlantic, between the United 
States and Europe ? What is the distance 
between the continent of America and 


Africa, at the nearest point ? How is the 
Atlantic Ocean bounded ? In what di¬ 
rection from St. Helena is Newfoundland ? 
The Azores from the Bermudas ? Iceland 
from the Cape de Verd Islands? What 
five great rivers empty into the Atlantic 
Ocean from the Western Continent? How 
long does it take a vessel to go across the 
Atlantic? Ans. About a month. Tell the 
direction of the following places from New 
York. Cape St. Roque ; the Bermudas ; 
Europe ; Cape Farewell ; Cuba ; Cape of 
Good Hope ; Cape Horn. Tell the direc¬ 
tion of the following places from Eiidand. 
West Indies ; Florida ; Newfoundland ; 
Iceland ; Greenland ; Cape Horn ; St. He¬ 
lena ; Cape of Good Hope. Which is 
most southerly, New-York or England ? 
Spain, or the West Indies ? Gulf of Mex¬ 
ico, or the Mediterranean Sea ? 

Let the pupil place the Map of the Eastemi 
Hemisphere before him, and reply to the fol- 
lo 2 oing questions. 

Wnat continent lies on the eastern bor¬ 
der of the Atlantic Ocean ? How is the 
Eastern Continent bounded ? Into what 
three great portions is it divided ? What 
sea between Europe and Africa? What 
sea nearly separates Africa from Asia ? 
What isthmus connects Africa'and Asia? 
What vast island south-west of Asia? 
What ocean between Africa and New 
Holland ? What island south-west of 
Africa? Where is the island of Borneo? 
Sumatra ? Papua, or New Guinea ? What 
sea between Borneo and China? What 
Island south of Hindoostan ? What ocean 
south of the Indian Ocean ? W'hat ocean 
north of the Eastern Continent ? Where 
are the Japan Isles ? What ocean lies 
east of the Eastern Continent ? What 
peninsula at the south-west corner of Eu¬ 
rope ? What great peninsula is united to 
the Eastern Continent by the isthmus of 
Suez ? What straits between New Guinea 
and New Holland ? What straits between 
Corea and the Japan Isles? What cape at 
the southern point of Africa? What cape at 
the southern point of Hindoostan ? What 
Gulf between Arabia and Persia? Tell 
me the direction of each of the following 
places from England: Cape of Good 
Hope; Nova Zembla; Sumatra; New 
Holland; IMadagascar; Greenland; Kams- 
chatka; Borneo. Which w.ay is Asia 
from Europe ? Africa from Europe ? New 
Holland from Africa? St. Helena from 
Sumatra? Nova Zembla from the Cape 
of Good Hope ? How is Europe bounded ? 
How is Africa bounded ? How is Asia 
bounded ? 

X. SHAPE OF THE EARTH. 

The earth is round, and men and ships 
have often been around it. This is cer 
taiiily true, strange as it may seem. The 
continent of America lies on one side of 
the earth, and the eastern continent on the 
otlier side Tiie Pacific Ocean and the At- 





12 


FRELIMINARy LESSONS. 


lantic Ocean lie on opposite sides of the 
earth. When you are at sea, the water 
appears level but in reality it bends in a 
regular curve. At the distance of twenty 
miles the lower part of a vessel is hid by 
the bending of the water, and the top 
only is visible. 

The following lessons may be deferred till 
the pupil has been once through the book. 

XI. LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE. 

Place before you the Maps of the Eastern 
and Western Hemispheres. 

You observe various lines upon the 
maps. Those running from the north to 
the south pole, are called meridians, and 
point out the longitude of the various 
parts of the earth’s surface. Longitude is 
reckoned east and west from Greenwich 
in England. The numbers, marking the 
degrees of longitude, are on the Equator. 
Places east of Greenwich, are*said to be 
in east longitude ; those west of Green¬ 
wich are said to be in west longitude. 

The Equator is an imaginary line, run¬ 
ning around the earth from east to west, 
and west to east, dividing it into two equal 
parts, called the northern and southern 
hemispheres. 

The lines running parallel to the equa¬ 
tor show the latitude of various places. 
Latitude is reckoned from the equator, 
north and south. The numbers in the 
margins of the maps show the degrees 
of latitude. Places south of the equator 
are said to be in'south latitude; places 
north of it are said to be in north lati¬ 
tude. 

Longitude extends to 180 degrees both 
east and west; latitude extends to 90 de¬ 
grees from the equator to the pole. Each 
degree of latitude is divided into 60 min¬ 
utes ; each minute into 60 seconds. Each 
minute is equal to somewhat more than a 
mile. A degree of latitude is about 69 
1-2 miles. 

Longitude is divided in the same man¬ 
ner as latitude, into degrees, minutes and 
seconds. 

A degree of longitude on the equator is 
about C9 1-2 miles ; and in the whole cir¬ 
cumference of the globe there are 360 de¬ 
grees. The earth is therefore a little more 
than 25,000 miles around it. 

The degrees of longitude grow narrow¬ 
er toward the poles, as can be seen by 
the maps. 

What lines on the map are called me¬ 
ridians? What do meridians point out? 
How is latitude reckoned ? Where are 
the degrees of longitude marked ? When 
is a place said to be in east longitude? 
When is a place said to be in west longi¬ 
tude ? What is the equator? What is 
the northern hemisphere ? The southern ? 
What do the lines parallel to the equator, 
and north and south of it, show ? How 


is latitude reckoned ? V\Tien is a place 
said to be in south latitude ? When is a 
place said to be in north latitude ? To 
how many degrees does longitude extend ? 
To how many degrees does latitude ex¬ 
tend? How is latitude divided? How is 
longitude divided? What is the length 
of a degree of latitude ? A minute of lati¬ 
tude ? What is the extent of a degree of 
longitude on the equator? How many 
degrees of latitude or longitude in the 
whole circumference of the earth ? How 
many miles around the earth ? How do 
the degrees of longitude vary as you pro¬ 
ceed from the equator toward the poles ? 

Place the majis of the Eastern and West¬ 
ern, JVorthcm and Southern Hemispheres 
before you. 

What great divisions of the earth, are 
partly in the southern hemisphere ? What 
large island in the southern hemisphere? 
What grand divisions of the earth are in 
the northern hemisphere? Between what 
degrees of longitude is Africa ? New Hol¬ 
land ? North America? South America? 
Europe? Asia? New Zealand? Between 
what degrees of latitude js Africa ? New 
Holland? South America? North Ameri¬ 
ca? Europe? Asia? Madagascar? How 
many degrees of longitude in the Indian 
Ocean ? How many of latitude ? How 
many of longitude in Africa? Asia? Eu¬ 
rope? The Atlantic ocean ? North Ameri¬ 
ca? South Anrerica? New Holland? 
How many degrees of latitude in Africa? 
Asia? Europe? North America? South 
America? The Atlantic ocean ? 

Here let the teacher ask such questions as 
he deems necessary, relative to the latitude 
and longitude of the various places on all the 
maps. 

XII. ZONES AND CLIMATES. 

Look on the Maps of the Eastern and 
Westemi Hemispheres. 

Beside the lines of latitude and longi¬ 
tude and the equator, you see other lines; 
the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, the 
Arctic and Antarctic Circles. 

These imaginary lines divide the map 
of the earth into five portions, called 
Zones. From the Arctic circle to the 
north pole, and from the Antarctic circle 
to the south pole, the most intense cold 
prevails. No one has been able to reach 
either of the poles, on account of the 
excessive cold. These portions of the 
earth are called the Frigid or Frozen 
Zones. 

The climate between the frigid zones 
and the tropical lines, is neither intense¬ 
ly hot, nor intensely cold. These regions 
are called the Temperate Zones. Between 
the Tropical lines of Cancer and Capri¬ 
corn, the sun pours down a burning heat 
through the year. This Zone is called 
the Torrid or Burning Zone. 


THE 


MALTE BRUN 


SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY. 


1. STATE OF MAINE. 

lO* Answers to the following questions will he foutuL on the map of the United States. 

How is the state of Maine bounded.^ 

What ocean washes its southern border.^ 

What is the.general direction of its coast? 

Which state forms the northeastern point of the United Slates? 

Which way is Maine from you? 

(O’ Ansruer the following questions from the map of New England. 

How many counties in Maine? 

Tell their names, with the shire town of each. 

What counties lie alone the seashore? What are the eastern counties? The northern? 
Western? What the middle counties? 

What river partly divides Maine from New Brunswick? * 

What of Saco river? 

[O’ In describing a river, tell first where it 7'ises, then the general direction of its course, 
th rough what distrirts it fows, and where it empties. The reply, tkei-efoi'e, to the preceding 
question nrill be as follows: —‘The Saco rises in Coos county, in New Hampshire, flows through 
the county of Oxford, touches the southwestern border of Cumberland county, passes through 
the county of York, and empties into the Atlantic below Biddeford.’ 

What of the Androscoggin river? The Kennebeck? The Penobscot? Passamaquoddy, 
or St. Croix? 

What is the capital of Maine? Where is Augusta? 

Where is Bangor? Portland? Hallowell? Eastpoil? Machias? Brunswick? Cas* 

thie? York? 

O’/?*, telling where a town is, the pupil should say in what part of the state, or country it 
is situated ; on what river, or hay, or other water it is, and its direction from the capital. 

Where is Passamaquoddy bay? Casco? Penobscot? Frenchman’s? 

Wh«re is Moosehead lake? Umbagog lake? 

O’ In telling where a lake is, say in what part of the state it lies, and its direction fron^ 
the capital. 

Where is Long island? Deer island? Mount Desert? Fox islands? 

O’/w telling where an island is, say in what water it lies, near what coast ii is, and Us di 
notion fro^n the capital of the state or country near it. 

2. MAINE, CONTINUED. 

. This state belong-ed to Massachusetts until the year 1820; a\ 
that time, it became separate and independent. It was more re~ 
cently settled than the other states on the Atlantic, and still bears 
the marks of a new country. The surface is hilly, and in parts 
mountainous. The winters are long, the cold is verj'’ severe, and 
I great quantities of snow fall. The summers are warm, but short. 

2. When did Maine become a separat.e state? To what state did it belong before 1820? 
What does Maine still bear the marks oil Describe the face of the country. Describe the 
I seasons in Mauae. 


2 







!4 


MAIiJE. 


The sea breezes render the air moist along the coast. The soil is 
generally fertile. The climate is favorable to the growth of grass. 

The northern portions are yet covered with forests; the southern 
parts, toward the sea shore, present many flourishing towns and 
villages. The state abounds in lakes and streams, but they are not 
'well suited to navigation. It has an extensive sea coast, and many 
fine harbors, favorable to commercial j)ursuits. The people have 
therefore, generally, neglected agriculture and manufactures, and 
devoted themselves to commerce. 

Many of the inhabitants of Maine are engaged in cutting down 
the forest trees, and converting them into lumber, which is shipped 
to the West Indies, and various parts of the United States, and 
exchanged for flour, sugar, cash, and other articles which the peo¬ 
ple have need of. This business, which is called the lumber trade, 
constitutes one of the leading occupations of the inhabitants. The 
following cht represents men cutting down the trees in the back¬ 
ground; in the foreground is a saw-mill, sawing the logs into boards; 
also a vessel, loading with lumber to carry it away. 



The people of Maine occasionally ship cargoes of ice to New 
Orleans and the West Indies. During the winter, the extreme 
cold in this state creates large masses of ice in the rivers; a ship is 
easily suj)]')lied with a cargo of it, and in the sultry climate of the 
West Indies, nothing can be more grateful. 

The ice is exchanged for sugar, molasses, spirits, and other pro- 


What renders the air moist along the coast? What of the soil? What is the climate favor¬ 
able to? 

What is the situation of the northern portions of the state? What do the southern portions 
present? In what does Maine abound? Describe its sea coast and harbors. What have the 
people neglected? To what have they devoted themselves principally? What are inanv of 
them engfiged in? What 9oustiiute3 one of tlie leading occupations of the inhatiitants of Maine’ 
What does the picture represent? 

What has the enter|>ri5e of tlig }>eople led (hem occasioinlly to do? W'hat can you tell me 
of their sending ca;goes of ice to the West Indies? Wiiat ii commtice? 












NEW HAMPSHIRE 


15 


ductions of those islands, which are brought back m ships. This 
exchange of the productions of one country for those of another, 
called commerce, contributes very much to the comfort and happi¬ 
ness of society; for the people of one climate, by means of it, may 
enjoy the luxuries of all others. Here is a cut representing the ne¬ 
groes, taking a cargo of ice ashore in the West Indies. 



Portland, formerly the capital of Maine, is largely engaged in 
i commerce, and has 12,600 inhabitants. It is pleasantly situated on 

I Casco bay, and has a fine harbor. Bath is a considerable town, and 

is situated on the Kennebeck river, 13 miles from its mouth. It is 
a flourishing place, extensively engaged in commerce. Population, 
8,800. Augusta has a fine state-house of granite. Poj). 4,000. 

Eastport is a commercial town. Machias is a place of considera¬ 
ble trade, with 1,000 inhabitants. Brunswick is the seat of Bruns¬ 
wick College, a flourishing literary institution. Bangor is one of 
the most prosperous towns in the state. At Bangor there is-a Lite- 
i rary and Theological Seminary, under the direction of the Congre- 
i gationalists; at Waterville is a college supported by the Baptists 
I Hallowell and Thomaston are flourisliing places. 

i 3. STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

i Map of the United States. How is New Hampshire bounded? Which way is it from where 

i you are? 

Map of Nexo England. How many eounties in New Hampshire? Their names, witli tlie 
shire town of each. What is the northern county? The eastern counties? The western'*^' 

What effect has commerce on flie comfort and happiness of society? Describe tbe picture 
of a cargo of ice in the West Indies. What is tlie capital town in Maine’’ AVhat are tlie 

people of Portland largely engaged in? How many people in Portland’ How is Portland snu 

I ated? What sort of harbor has it? 

What town is next in size to Portland? Where is Bath situated? What else can you >ay 
I of Bath? What can you say of Eastport^ Machias? Brunswick? Casime? Bansoi ’’ 'Wa- 

I terville? What institution at Bangor? At Waterville? Which is the lai'gest town lu Blama^ 

1 Or which has^he gtpatest.number ol'inhahitanU'’ 


















10 


HEW HAMPSHIRE 


The southern? The middOe county? What nrer form* the western bovtoulvT of tlie HatV* 
Pescribe the Connecticut; Merrimack; Piscataqua; Androscoggin; Saco; Upper and lower 
Ammonoosuck; Sugar river; Ashuelot; Contoocook; Margallaway; Nashua. 

Where is lake Winnipiseogee? Connecticut lake.^ Squam lake? What mountains lo 
New Hampshire? 'Where are the White mountains? What is the capital of New Hamp¬ 
shire? In which direction is Concord from Portland? Where is Portsmouth? Dover? 
Walpole? Hanover? What county in Hew Hampshire touches on the Atlantic ocean? 

4. NEW HAMPSHIRE, continued. 

The land in New Hampshire is generally hilly, and in parts 
mountainous; the climate is cold, but healthful. Among the 
mountains the winter is severe, and great quantities of snow fall. 
The‘greater part of the inhabitants are occupied in agriculture; 
that is, in tilling the land, and raising from it various kinds of grain, 
as wheat, rye, oats, &c., and in rearing sheep, horses, swine, and 
cattle. Many are occupied in manufactures; that is, in making 
cloth of wool, cotton, flax and various other articles. 

There is but one seaport, or place on the sea coast, for shipping, 
in New Hampshire, viz. Portsmouth; consequently the people of 
this state are not extensively engaged in commerce. 



The White mountains are more than 6000 feet high. When the 
seaman approaches the country, their peaks, appearing like clouds 
along the horizon, are the first objects that attract his view, and 
assure him that the land is near. The preceding picture shows the 
White mountains in the background. T;iie man ploughing in the 
foreground intimates that agriculture is the chief pursuit in this 
state. 


3. Describe the face of the country, in New Hampshire; the climate. What of the win¬ 
ters in New Hampshire? What are the greater part of the people engaged in doing? What 
IS meant by agriculture? What are many others of the inhabitants occupied in doin>'? What 
IS meant by manufactures? What is the only seaport in New Hampshire? Whafis a sea- 

t ort? Are the people of New Hampshire extensively engaged in commerce? What ia the 
eiglit of the White mountains? Describe these mountains. Doscrilie the picture^ 











VERMONT 


IT 


The sceneiy among the White mountains is wild and picturesque, 
m the highest degree; nothing can he more delightful than a ram- 
ole among them during the summer season. At a place called the 
Notch, the whole mountain is divided to the very base into two 
parts, forming a space for a road, and a passage for the river Saco. 
The aspect of nature here surpasses every thing else in this portion 
of the United States in grandeur and sublimity. A terrible event 
took place here a few years since. A large part of the mountain 
slid down into the valley, by night, and buried a whole family 
beneath the ruins. 

Dartmouth College, at Hanover, is an ancient and respectable 
literary institution. There are many academies in the state, of 
which Phillips’ Academy, at Exeter, is one of the most considerable. 

Portsmouth, the only seaport, is a very handsome town, and its 
inhabitants are, to a considerable extent, engaged in commerce. 
Population, 8,000. Concord, the seat of government, is pleasantly 
situated on the Merrimack, and has a state-house of stone. Popu¬ 
lation, 3,700. Dover, on Cocheco river, possesses very extensive 
manufactories of wool and cotton. Pop. 5,400. Walpole is a 
beautiful town, situated near Connecticut river, and from its elevat¬ 
ed position, commands a delightful view of the valley through 
which that stream flows. Pop. 2,000. Keene stands on an elevat¬ 
ed plain, from which a fine prospect of hills and mountains is afford¬ 
ed on all sides. The town is one of the handsomest in New Eng¬ 
land. Pop. 2,400. Claremont, Hanover, and Londonderry, are 
considerable towns. 

5. STATE OF VERMONT. 

Mnp of the United States. How is Vermont bounded? Which way is Vermont from the 
place you are in? Which way is it from Maine? 

Map of Ne-o) England. How many counties in Vermont? Tell their names, with the 
county town of each. Which are the Northern counties? The Eastern? Southern? West¬ 
ern? the middle county? What river forms the eastern boundary of Vermont? Describe 
Eamoile river; Onion; Otter creek; Missisque; Deerfield; White; Black. What 
lake lies along the western border of the slate? What range of mountains in Vermont? In 
what direction does this range lie? W^hat is the capital of Vermont? Where is Montpelier? 
In what direction is it from Concord? From Portland? Where is Brattleboro? Burlington? 
Windsor? Middlebury? Bennington? Westminster? Royakon? Randolph? 

6. VERMONT, continued. 

Vermont is a mountainous state. The Green mountains run 
north and south, nearly the whole length of it. A considerable 
portion of the state is yet covered with forests; many parts are, 
however, cultivated and fruitful. The chief pursuit of the inhab- 


Describe the Notch. What took place here some years since? What is Dartmouth College? 
Where is it? What is Phillips’ Academy? What can you sav of Portsmouth? Concord? 
Dover? Walpole? Keene? Claremont? Hanover? Londoiulerry? Which is the largest, 
or most populous town in Hew Hampshire. 

4. What of the surface of the country in Vermont? How does the Green mountain range 
run? What covers a considerable part of the state? What of many other parts of the state? 
Wliat is the chief puisuit of the inhabitants? 

0# 





18 


VERMONT 


itants IS agriculture; and the raising of horses, which are sold at 
Boston, Hartford, New York, and other places, is a leading object 
with the farmers. During the winter, the snow falls to a consider¬ 
able depth; and not being melted by sea breezes, it lurnish^ almost 
every year about three months of exeellent sleighing. The sum¬ 
mers are cool and agreeable. 

In the war of the revolution, the soldiers of Vermont acquired 
great distinction for bravery; and the designation of Green moun¬ 
tain Boys, which they bore, has ever been regarded as a title of 
renown. The following picture represents a company of these 
celebrated troops. 



This state is interesting for the variety and beauty of its scenery. 
On its eastern border flows the Connecticut, one of the finest streams 
m the world; its valley aflbrds every variety of sweet and pictur¬ 
esque landscape. The western border of the state is washed by 
lake Champlain, which, with its -wooded shores, and pleasant 
islands, yields not less agreeable prospects. 

In ascending from either of these waters toward the centre of the 
state, a traveller will pass over a succession of hills and mountains, 
and occasionally meet a cluster of neat houses, bearing the name of 
a town. When among the mountains, he will observe the marks 
of cultivation, blending in the same view with scenes of great 
wildness. 


What is a leading object with the farmers? 

■What of the winter in Vermont? The summer? 

IIow were the soldiers in Vermont distinguished in the war of the revolution? Describe the 
picture. What can you say of the Connecticut river? What does the valley of this river 
present to the eye? What does lake Champlain present? 

As a traveller ascends from Connecticut river, or lake Champlain, toward the elevated re¬ 
gions in the middle of the state, w^iat will he pass over? What will he occasionally meet? 
What will he observe when among the mountains? 








MASSA^5HU8ETTS- 


19 


I Those persons who are in search of the wonderful, may find a 
' cave at Plymouth, about 18 miles from Windsor, having- five large 
apartments, the largest 30 feet in length. At Bellows Falls, there 
I is a rapid in the Connecticut river, which cannot but astonish and 
1 delight every person who sees it. The waters are compressed 

I between the rocks, and, leaping, foaming and bursting, as they pass 
on their way, present a scene of great wildness and beauty. 

Montpelier, the seat of government, is a handsome and fiourish- 
' ing town. Pop. 3,000. Burlington, the most commercial town in 
the state, is remarkable for its delightful situation. Pop. 3,500. 
Windsor, and Brattleboro, both situated on Connecticut river, are 
places of considerable business. The latter is remarkable for its 
romantic and beautiful scenery. Bennington is one of the oldest 
! towns in the state, and is celebrated for a battle fought there during 
1 the war of the revolution. Pop. 3,400. Middlebury has conside¬ 
rable manufactures, and a quarry of excellent marble. Pop. 3,468. 
At Burlington, there is a literary institution, styled the Vermont 
University. At Middlebury, there is a respectable college. 

{ 7. STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

1 

Map of the United States. How is Massachusetts bounded? Which way is the state of 
I Massachusetts from where you are? From Maine? Vermont? New Hampshire? What 
I cane foi ms part of Massachusetts? 

i Map of New England. How many counties in Massachusetts? Tell their names, with the 
shire town of each. What are the Eastern counties? Western? Southern? Northern? 
Describe the Connecticut river; Merrimack; Concord; Charles; Mystic; Nashua; 
Taunton; Chickapee; Deerfield; Westfield; Miller’s; Housalonic. Where is Massa¬ 
chusetts Bay? Barnstable? Buzzard’s? What peninsula in Massachusetts? What islands? 

[ What range of mountains passes through the western part of the state? What is the capital of 
! Massachusetts? Where is Boston? Its direction from Montpelier? Concord? Portsmouth? 
From vou? Where is Springfield? Worcester? Newburyport? Greenfield? Cambridge? 
Salem? Pittsfield? New Bedford? Stockbridge? 
i Is not the shape of the state like a clumsy boot, Berkshire county forming the top, Essex 
the heel, Brbtol the toe, and Barnstable and cape Cod curling around like the sole partly 
ripped off? 

' 8. MASSACHUSETTS, continued.” 

The face of the country in Massachusetts is generally hilly, and 
►in parts mountainous. A great part of the soil is fertile. 

The portions along the sea shore are subject to cold, moist, east¬ 
erly winds, which are disagreeable. In the interior, the inhabitants 
enjoy about six weeks’ sleighing in winter. In the mountainous 
and elevated parts, the snow is deeper, and the cold severe. Com¬ 
merce and manufactures are the two great objects of pursuit. Many 

Where, in Vermont, is a remarkallle cave? Describe this cave. What curiosity at Bellows 
Falls? bercrihe Montpelier; Burlington; Windsor; Brattleboro; Bennington; Mid- 
dlehurv. W'hat institution at Middlebury? What at Burlington? 

For what is Massachusetts remarkable? For what are Worcester, Northampton, Spring- 
field, and otlier towns on Connecticut river, distinguished? 

o. Describe the face of the country in Massachusetts. What of the soil? What can yoo 
sky of fhfe climatii;^ What are the tw^o gt-eat ohjecU df puriuU? 






20 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


of the people are concerned in various fisheries. Agriculture re¬ 
ceives great attention, and is conducted with a superior degree of 
inteiligeiice and skill. 

The Green niountain range runs tlirough the western part of 
this state, from north to south; the most remarkable single peaks 
are Saildle mountain, in Adams and Williamstown, TaghkannuCy 
near Sheliield Wachusett, in Princetown, and mount Tom, and 
mount Holyoke, near Northampton. From the top of mount Ho¬ 
lyoke, a beautiful prospect is afforded; Connecticut river is seen 
winding through a rich valley, chequered by cultivation, and pre¬ 
senting a surface as brilliantly variegated as a carpet. 

The lovers of the curious may find, between Boston and Lynn, a 
beach, extending for some miles, so smooth and hard that a horse 
scarcely makes a hoof-print in passing over it. Nahant is a small, 
rocky promontory, much resorted to in summer by the people of 
Boston and other places, during the hot season, on account of its 
refreshing sea breezes. 

This state is remarkable for its beautiful towns and villages, 
Worcester, Northampton, Springfield, Greenfield, indeed all the 
towns on Connecticut river, Pittsfield, Stockbridge, and many oth¬ 
ers, in various parts of the state, are distinguished for the neatness 
of their dwellings, the elegance of their churches and meeting¬ 
houses, and the beauty of their rich and fertile landscapes. Several 
of these places might be selected as among the most delightful coun¬ 



try residences in this or any other country. The picture represents 
one of these places. 


What other pursuits are many of the people engaged in? What of agriculture? 

What range of mountains in Massachusetts? Where is this range? Where is Saddle mountain? 
Taghkannuc? Wachuselt? Mount Tom? Holyoke? Whaf prospect is a/lbrded from tha- 
Utj) of Holyoke? Describe Lynn beach. What of Xahant? For what is it resorted to? 

For what might many of the towns aud viilages be selected? Describe the piclm e. 







MASSACHUSETTS 


21 


The literary institutions of Massachusetts are numerous and 
flourishing:. Harvard University, at Cambridge, is the oldest and 
richest establishment of the kind in the United States. It has 20 
professors, and a library of 30,000 volumes, which is the largest in 
this country. Among the graduates of this college may be found 
I the names of some of the most distinguished men our country has 
i produced. 

I Williams’ College is a very respectable seminary at Williams- 
J town; at Amherst there is a thriving and interesting college, enti¬ 
tled the Collegiate Charity Institution. 

At Andover, there is a celebrated and richly-endowed Theological 
Seminary; in the same town is Phillips’Academy, which is a 
wealthy and respectable institution. There are about 40 other 
academies in the state, beside many schools and seminaries of great 
excellence. 

Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, occupies^ a peninsula at the 
head of Massachusetts bay, possesses an excellent harbor, and is 
surrounded by a beautiful and populous country. It contains many 
elegant edifices, among which are the state-house, the new market, 
Tremont-house, the Hospital, &c. Many of the private, as well 
as the public edifices, are built of granite, which may be esteemed 
the finest building material in the world. Boston contains nearly 
50 churches, and various charitable, literary and scientific institu- 
' tions. It is encircled by a line of irregular hills, at a distance of 
two or three miles, occupied by the beautiful towns of Dorchester, 

' Roxbury, Cambridge, Charlestown, &c. The bridges and roads 
i lead to these places in various directions, and a ride around the 
city, in the season of verdure, is very agreeable. 

The capitalists, or rich men of Boston, are largely interested in 
the various manufactories in different parts of Massachusetts, as 
well as in those of New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Its mer¬ 
chants are ranked among the most intelligent men engaged in trade 
in this country. In literature, Boston has always occupied the 
foremost ranks; in the learned professions and politics, it has fur¬ 
nished many men of high distinction; and for national feeling, public 
sjiirit, and liberality of sentiment, its citizens Itave. been renowned. 
Pop. 61,000. 

Salem, 14 miles from Boston, is a handsome and pleasant town. 


What can you say of the literary institutions of Massachusetts? What of the university at 
Cambridge? What qf its library? What of its graduates? What of Williams’ College^ 
What of Amherst College? What of the Theological Seminary at Andover? Phillips’ 
Academy? How many academies in Massachusetts? How is Boston situated? What does it 
contain? 

What are some of its best buildings? Of what material are many of the public and private 
buildings constructed? How many churches in Boston? What institutions? By what is it 
encircled? What towns surround it? In what are the capitalists of Boston largely interested?" 
What can you say of its merchants? What of Boston in respect to literature? What of its 
p^rofessional and political character? What of the citizens of Boston^ Number of inhabitants^ 
I)*«cribe Salem. 






RHODE ISLAND 


22 

and is distinguished for its wealth and commerce; it is extensively 
concerned in the trade to China. Pop. 14,000. 

Newburyport is beautifully situated on the Merrimack, and has 
considerable commerce. Marblehead, four miles southeast of Salem, 
js more largely engaged in the cod fisheries than any other town in 
the United States. Pop. 5,000. Beverly is largely concerned in 
the fisheries. Cambridge is famous for its university. Pop. 6,000. 
Charlestown, connected with Boston by three biidges, is a large 
town, having 9,000 inhabitants. Plymouth is the oldest town in 
the state. Pop. 4,751. Here the first settlers of New England 
landed, and established the first colony. Nantucket, situated on an 
island, is more extensively engaged in the whale fisheries than any 
other jilace in the United States. Pop. 7,200. New Bedford, 
situated on an arm of the Sea, which sets up from Buzzard’s bay, 
has considerable trade, and is largely concerned in the whale fisher¬ 
ies. Pop. 7,600. Lowell is famous for its manufactures. Pop* 
6,500. 


9. STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. 

Mnp nf tht Unitefl*St(ties. How i? Rhode Island l)ounded^ Whicli way is Rhode Island- 
from Vermonti* New Hampshire? Maine? From you? 

M(ip of New England. How many counties in Rhode Island? Their names, with the 
thire town of each? Which are the northern counties^ The sontherrr? The middle? What 
is the capital of Rhode Island? Where is Providence? Direction from Boston? Concord^ 
Montpelier? Where is Newport? South Kingston? Pawtucket? Bristol? Describe the 
Pawtucket river; Providence; Pawtuxet; Pawcatuck; Wood river. Where is Narra-- 
gauset bay? What islands belong to this state? Where is the island called Rhode Islandi*' 
Block Island? 


10. RHODE ISLAND, continued. 

Rhode Island is the smallest of the United States, but it is pleas¬ 
antly situated, and is distinguished for wealth, flourishing manufac¬ 
tories, and extensive commerce. The northern and western parts 
of the state are hilly and sterile; along the borders of Narraganset 
Day, it is more level and fertile. 

The falls of Pawtucket, in the village of that name, may be men¬ 
tioned as an interesting curiosity. The whole body of the Paw¬ 
tucket river here passes over a rock, and descends about 50 feet, 
presenting a very striking and beautiful waterfall. Brown Univer¬ 
sity, at Providence, is a very respectable seminary, under the 
direction of the Baptists. At the same place, the Friends or Quak¬ 
ers have an extensive and celebrated school. 

Providence, 40 miles from Boston, is the largest town in tho 
state. Its commerce is very extensive, and its capitalists are largely 


Describe Newburyport; Marblehead. What of Beverly? Cambridee? Gharlestowni*- 
Plymouth? Nantucket? New Bedford? Lowell? 

iO. Which is the smallest of the twenty-four United States? How is Rhode Island situated^* 
For what is it remai kable? Describe the soil, and face of the country. Describe the falls at 
Pawtucket. What university at Providence? What school? What is the largest town ui. 
Ithoae IslandJ* What of the commerce of Pro.videuce/' Howiadt^oucerued ia m;iau.Captures' 



RHODE ISLAND. 


23 


concerned in the various manufactories at Pawtucket and other 
places. The Blackstone canal, from Worcester to this place, has 
recently given a fresh impulse to business, and it is now rapidl}*" 
advancing. The Arcade, lately erected, is one of the most elegant 
edifices in New England. Several of the churches are handsome, 
and many of the private dwellings bespeak the wealth and good 
taste of their proprietors. The population is 16,800. Providence 
is considered the capital of the state, though the legislature often 
meets at other places. 

Newport is situated on the island of Rhode Island. This island, 
from its fertility and beauty, has been called the Eden of America, 
lining between Narraganset bay and the ocean, it is constantly 
visited by the fresh sea breezes, which, during summer, bestow 
health and pleasure upon its inhabitants. Neivport occupies the 
southwestern corner of this island. It is the resort of many per¬ 
sons in summer, who are attracted by its salubrious climate, and by 
the excellence and variety of the fish wdiich abound in its waters. 
Its harbor is one of the best in the world. Pop. 8,000. 



li Bristol is a pleasant commercial town, and possesses great wealth; 
’^arren has considerable commerce; Pawtucket is an inteiesting 
village, with extensive manufactories for cotton goods; Pawtuxet 
is concerned, to a considerable extent, both in trade and manufac- 
\ tures. The preceding picture exhibits a manufacturing village, 
i and is designed to represent the leading object of pursuit in this 
; state. 


I Where is the Blackstone canal? What effect has this canal had upon Providence? What 
can you say of the Arcade in Providence? Of the churches? Of private dwellings? What is 
i the population? What of the island of Rhode Isfand? How is Newport situated? Why is 
it resorted to by many persoiu in summer? What of its harbor? Population? What 0/ 
Bristol? Warren'’ Pawtucket? Pawtuxet? What does the picture represent^ 




















24 


CONNECTIOOT. 


11. STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 

Map of the United States. How is Connecticut bounded? Wliich way is Connectica 
from Vermont? Maine? New Hampshire? 

Map of New England. How many counties in Connecticut? The name of each county, 
with its shire town? 

What are the two capitals? Where is Hartford? In which direction from Boston? Con¬ 
cord? Providence? Montpelier? Where is New Haven? Middlet 9 wn? Norwich? New 
London? Litchfield? Fairfield? Danbury? Windham? Tolland? Woodstock? Sav 
brook? Guilford? Stratford? Derby? Norwalk? Lyme? Stonini'ton? Describe the 
Connecticut: Housalonic; Thames; Farmington; Naugatuck. What sound south of 
Connecticut'* What is a sound? 

12. CONNECTICUT, continued. 

The face of the country in Connecticut is grenerally hilly, and in 
the northwestern parts mountainous. The soil is good, and the 
industrious inhabitants have not neglected its cultivation. The 
valley of Connecticut river, from Middletown to the northern 
boundary of the state, is a luxuriant meadow, chequered by patches 
of wheat, corn, and other grain. Some other parts of this state 
are well cultivated, and fruitful; some portions are beautiful, as 
well from the gifts of nature as the improvements of art. 

A canal has recently been opened, which commences at West- 
field, in Massachusetts, and passes through Farmington and Ches¬ 
hire, and terminates at New Haven; from this, considerable 
benefits to places hear it are anticipated. It is proposed to carry 
this canal through from Westfield to Northampton. A company 
has been chartered by the state, for improving the navigation of 
Connecticut river, and it is now engaged in carrying into effect the 
objects of its formation. Steam-boats are already able to navigate 
this river as far up as Vermont. 

The manufactures of Connecticut are considerable. Besides 
several large establishments for the manufacture of cotton and 
woollen cloths, clocks, nails, glass, hats, buttons, fire-arms, and a 
great amount of tin-ware, are made in various parts of the state. 

The public institutions in Connecticut are numerous and valua¬ 
ble, Yale College, at New Haven, is one of the most eminent 
literary establishments in the Union. Washington College, at 
Hartford, is a new, but flourishing seminary, the buildings of 
which are elegant, and finely situated. 

The Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb at Hartford, by means of 
which an unfortunate class of persons are restored to society, and 
made capable of reading, writing and conversing, is one of the most 
interesting institutions in the country. It was the first of the kind 
established in America, and the principal, Mr. Gallaudett, with the 
aid of Mr. Clerc, a deaf and dumb professor, is entitled to the credit 
of having been chiefly instrumental in its foundation. The fol- 


12. Describe the face of the country in Connecticut. What of the soil? Of the valley of 
Connecticut river? What of other parts of the state? What of rarnun£;ton canal? What 
of improvements in Connecticut river? What of manufactures> Public instilwlioiw'’ Yale 
Cvillpie^ WiiHiiirt^lon Ct4t«*5e^ Asvilona fbr tlie Deaf and Dumb' 



CONNECTICUT. 


25 




lowing picture exliibits a view of the asylum in the background; in 
the foreground are some deaf and dumb pupils^ with one of their 
teachers. He is addressing them by signs. 


There is in this state a fund of nearly 2,000,000 of dollars, the 


Describe ll\r picture. What seminary at Litchfield? School at Hartford? Law School 
t Litcfi%ld ' At New Ilaven^ Wliat two liigh schools'' What other seminaries.’ What 
xrhool fund* 

s 


There is a seminary of great reputation, for young ladies, at 
Litchfield; and at Hartford a very efficient and useful school for a 
similar class of pupils. There is also a Law School at Litchfield, 
founded by the late Judge Reeve, which is in good repute. There 
is also a respectable law school at New Haven, nominally attached 
to the college. Beside these, there is a high school at New Ha¬ 
ven for boys; a high school for boys at Hartford, and more than 30 
other academies. 



























26 


CONNECTICUT. 


interest of whicb-is consecrated to the support of common schools, 
in all the towns. Thus the means of education in reading, writing 
and arithmetic, are afforded to every individual. One of the most 
common objects presented to a traveller in this state is a school- 
house. On the preceding page is a picture of one. 

New Haven and Hartford are the alternate places of meeting for 
the state legislature. New Haven, situated at the head of a small 
bay, that sets up about four miles from Long Island sound, is not 
excelled in beauty by any town in the United States. It is a place 
of considerable conuiierce, and possesses many handsome public and 
private buildings. Its churches, in ])articular, are beautiful; and 
the new state-house is a chaste and imposing specimen of architec¬ 
ture. Pop. 10,000. The engraving gives a view of a part of the 
town, embracing the college buildings. 



Hartford, on the right bank of the Connecticut, is a fine town, 
and is surrounded by a rich and beautiful country. The Asylum 
for the Deaf and Dumb, the College, the Retreat, which is an ‘insti¬ 
tution for the insane, the state-house, and the several churches, 
furnish examples of handsome and appropriate architecture. The 
new Episcopal church, a specimen of the plain style of Gothic , 
architecture, may be mentioned as one of the handsomest churches 
in the United States. The population of this city is about 9,800. 

Middletown, on Connecticut river, is beautifully situated. Pop. 
6,900. Norwich, Danbury, Litchfield, Fairfield, are all considera¬ 
ble places. Farmington is a beautiful town. Windsor, Wethers¬ 
field and Suffield, are also interesting places. New London is 
largely engaged in the whale fishery. 

What are aflToraed to every individual? What is frequently met with by travellers in Con 
neclicut? Describe the picture. What are the two seats of government? Describe New 
Haven. 

What rejehrated college here? Describe the picture. What of Hartford? Its^nublKl 
buiidings’’ The Episcopal clmrch? What of Middletown? What other con.sider,Ul^T-• 















NEW ENGLAND 


27 


U . The Six EASTERN STATES, or NEW ENGLAND. 

Map of Ni-m England. Of what six sUtes does New England consist? Which are the 
most eastern of the United States? See Map of the United Stales. How is New England 
bounded? What are the nrincipal rivers of New England? Describe the Connecticut river. 
What river in New England next in size to the Connecticut? Describe the Merrimack. 
What next in size? Describe the Penobscot, Describe Narraganset bay; Cape Cod bay} 
Massachusetts bay ; Casco bay} Penobscot bay. 

Where is cape Cod? Cape Ann? Cape Small-point? Where is Winnipiseogee lake? Um- 
Moasehead? What range of mountains extends the whole length of New England? 
Describe the course of the Green mountain lange. 

In which direction is Hartford from Boston? From Portland? Concord? Providence? 
Montpelier? Boston from Providence? Montpelier? Portland? ContorcV New Haven? 
Portland from Concord? Boston? Hartford? Montpelier? Providence? What are the 
capitals of the six Eastern States? Which is the greatest of the New England States in ex 
tent? Which is the second in size? Third? Fourth? Fifth? Which is the smallest? For 
ansn'ers to these questions see tabular views in the Atlas. 

What is the distance of the following places from Boston;—Portland, Portsmouth, Concord, 
Montpelier, Hartford, Providence, Quebec, Montreal? 


15. NEW ENGLAND, continued. 

We have now examined in detail the six states which are em¬ 
braced under the general name of New England. Let us turn back 
a moment, and take a view of the whole together. 

The face of the country is greatly diversified. In the interior, 
it is mountainous, with valleys between. The land along the sea 
shore presents, in general, an irregular surface, consisting of hills 
and ridges, with flats of moderate extent between them. The in¬ 
land portions, toward the mountains, present an almost constant 
succession of short hills and narrow vales. There are no extensive 
plains throughout the whole surface of New England. 

Much of the soil is good; yet in general it requires diligent cul- 
’ tivation, and compels the farmer to use great industry, to procure 
; tolerable crops. Although it well repays the labor of the husband- 
I man, it is, on the whole, less fruitful than many other countries. 

! This might at first seem a disadvantage; but we shall see, that in 
! those places which are the most fertile, and where industry is least 
j necessary to subsistence, vice, poverty, and ignorance are most 
I common. 

I The soil is best adapted to the production of grass. The raising 
* of cattle, horses, sheep and hogs, is one of the leading pursuits of 
the farmer.’ Beef, pork, butter and cheese, of excellent quality, are 
abundant. Wheat, rye, oats, barley, flax and hemp are also raised 
in considerable quantities. There is not enough of wheat, how¬ 
ever, produced, for the consumj)tion of the inhabitants. Apples 
and cider are abundant, almost every farm being sui)plied with an 
orchard; pears and j)eaches are common in the southern parts, and 
many smaller fruits are produced in great plenty. 


15, What of the face of the country in New England? What of the soil? What is the 
soil best adapted to? What is a leadiiis pursuit of the farmer? What articles are abundant? 
What are raised in considerable quantities? Is there enough of wheat raised for the use of 
the inhabitants? What of apples and cider? Wliat fruits are common? 





28 


NEW ENGLAND. 


The states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecttcut are 
extensively engaged in manufactures. The principal articles are 
cotton and woollen goods; beside these, shoes, hats, tin-ware, 
clocks, and various other articles, are made in large quantities. 
New England is not less distinguished for its commerce, than its 
manufactures. There are- numerous seaports,'and many fine har¬ 
bors along the coast. Boston is the centre of trade for the eastern 
portion. New York receives the produce of the western parts of 
A^ermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. New England is also 
largely concerned in the whale fisheries, in the Pacific ocean, and 
in the northern seas; in the cod fisheries, on the banks of Newfound¬ 
land; and in the herring fisheries, on the coast of Maine. The en¬ 
graving represents fishermen about to attack a whale. 



The climate is cold in winter, and for a lew days, generally, it is 
severe: in summer it is hot, and, for a short time in every season, 
it is extremely so. The spring is not as pleasant as in many coun¬ 
tries, damp and disagreeable east winds being very common, partic¬ 
ularly on the sea coast. The autumn is delightful, and the climate | 
then is one of the most agreeable in the world. Maine, New j 
Hampshire, Vermont, and the western parts of Massachusetts. I 
have an average of ten weeks’ sleighing every winter. In the oth- 1 
er parts of New England, particularly along the coast, the winter 
often passes without any sleighing, in consequence of the sea breez¬ 
es, which melt the snow soon alter it falls. In all parts of New 
England, the Avinter is so severe as to require great preparation for 
it; the dwellings, to be comfortable, must be tight. Thick woollen 


What part of New England is extensively engaged in manufactures? What are the prin¬ 
cipal articles manufactured? For wliat is New England distinguished beside manufactures? 
What of seaports and harbors? AVhat of Boston? New York? In what is New England 
alio largely concerned? What of the climate in winter? Summer? Spring'* Autumn^ 
What of sleighing? What preparation for winter is necessary in New Eiiglaud^ 
















NEW ENGLAND 


29 


clothing, and an ample stock of provisions for food, are necessary. 
To provide all these, the people are generally obliged to be indus¬ 
trious during the rest of the year, and also to be frugal, and to 
treasure up the earnings of the milder seasons, against the inclemen¬ 
cy of winter. 

The people are generally industrious, and careful of their earnings; 
and, having the habit of constantly looking forward to, and making 
preparation for, the future, they are generally well provided, com¬ 
fortable and happy. Even the rigor of winter is thus divested of 
its terrors, and while the snow is driving over the hills and valleys, 
there is generally much cheerfulness and comfort by the blazing 
fire-side. 

The people in this part of the United States have an interesting 
festival, which takes place in the autumn of every year, called 
Thanksgiving. In the morning of the appointed day, the inhabi¬ 
tants repair to the churches and meeting-houses,^where they attend 
divine worship. They then return to their houses, where all branch¬ 
es of the family are usually assembled, a generous entertainment is 
provided, and the day and evening are spent in cheerfulness and 
mirth. The sons and daughters, who are settled at a distance, on 
this occasion, usually return and meet again around the parental 
hearth. Charity to the poor pervades the hearts of the rich, and 
none are so destitute as to lack the means of festivity on Thanks¬ 
giving day. The picture that folloAvs represents a young man with 
his family, returning to the paternal roof, to celebrate this festival. 



I'he inhabitants of New England spend very little time in amu 
ments; with the exception of Thanksgiving, they have no nationa 


What is required of the people, to enable them to provide for winter? What of the people 
of New England? What is the consequence of the industry and frugality of the people? 

What interesting festival in New England? Describe the manner of keeping Thanksgiving 
Describe the picture. What of amusements in New England? 
















80 


NEW ENGLAND. 


holyday, m the diversions of which both men and women partici¬ 
pate. The fourth of July is a political anniversary; in its ceremo¬ 
nies men alone are engaged. The grave habits of the people, 
derived from their ancestors, their strict religious notions, the ne¬ 
cessity of constant industry, are all opposed to scenes of thought¬ 
lessness and gaiety. 

From the first settlement of the country, the people of New 
England have been a religious people. The entire freedom of 
opiiiion enjoyed by the inhabitants has led to a diversity of religious 
denominations. In almost every town and village are several jilaces 
of public worship belonging to different sects; among which are 
Methodists, Baptists, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, Quakers 
and Unitarians. It is disreputable lor a man to have no religious 
creed, and there are few who do not give their support to some one 
mode of religious worship. The sabbath is very strictly observed, 
and the people generally attend public worship twice during the 
day. 

The inhabitants are in general instructed in the common branch¬ 
es of school education. It is exceedingly rare that a person of ma¬ 
ture age can be found, who cannot read, write, and perform the 
common operations of arithmetic. Almost every ])erson, too, has 
a considerable stock of general knowledge, and is capable of forming 
correct opinions for himself on most subjects which it is important 
for men to understand. These circumstances arise from the uni¬ 
versal provision, made from the first settlement of the country, for 
the education of all classes. 

To these traits of character we may add, that the New England¬ 
ers have great facility in changing their occupations, and their 
places of abode,—possess a great desire for travelling,—are fond of 
trallic,—eager to get gain,—shrewd in driving a bargain,—wary 
and sagacious in new and dilficult situations,—quick and penetrating 
in discerning character and discovering motives; and much more 
apt to pry into the secrets of others, than to reveal their own. 

The disposition of the people of New England to seek their for¬ 
tune at a distance from home, is remarkable. Several of the West¬ 
ern States have been almost exclusively settled by them. Among 
the busy and bustling traders of the large cities; among the orators 
who sway the nation; among the axe-men who are levelling the 
western forests; among the hunters and trappers, who are pursuing 
wild game at the foot of the Rocky mountains; among the mission¬ 
aries, who are preaching to the Indians; among those who are car- 

What of the fourth of July? What are opposed to scenes of uaiety and thoughtlessness? 
What has aUvaj's been the character of the Kcw England people? What consenuence has 
followed the entire freedom of opinion? What exists in almost every town and village? To 
what sects do these churches aud meeting-houses belong? What is ilisrepiitable? What of 
the sabbath? 

What of education? What is rare? Of what has almost every person considerabler What 
is the cause of the general intelligence of the people in New England? What other traits of 
character belong to the people of New England? What is remarkable in the New England¬ 
ers? What paj ts of the country have been almost exclusively settled by tiiem' 



NEW ENGLAND. 


31 


rying' the g-ospel to foreig-n lands; among the mariners scattered 
over the ocean; among the whale-fishers of the Pacific, and the 
Greenland seas; among the cod-lishers, on the banks of Newfound¬ 
land; among the pedlars of the Southern States;—wherever there 
is an offer of reward, wherever there is a demand for the exertions 
of vigorous and skilful men,—there you find the practical, cautious, 
shrewd, and self-dependent sons of I^ew England. 

The engra\dng below points out some of the characteristics of 
New England. The vessel shows that the people are extensively 
engaged in commerce. Tlie man ploughing intimates that agricul¬ 
ture is a considerable object of pursuit. The large building is a 
manufactory, and shows that the manufactures are extensive. The 
persons in the foreground represent emigrants, and illustrate the 
disposition of the people to emigrate to other parts of the country. 



The number of inhabitants in New England is about 2,000,000. 
Scattered over the surface of the country are numerous cities, 
towns, and villages. A little more than two hundred years ago, 
the whole surface was covered with trees; from Maine to Connec¬ 
ticut, the view presented nothing but forests. These forests were 
only inhabited by savage men and wild beasts. In 1620, a small 
band of English ])eople, called Puritans, landed at Plymouth. It 
was winter when they came, and they suffered much, but they 
were pious, and found consolation in religion. Soon others came 
from England; and in a few years, there were many thousands of 
English inhabitants, and many villages in various parts of New 
England. The Indians grew jealous of them, and burnt their 
houses, and killed some of them. Then there was war between 

In whal various situations the natives of New England be found? Describe the picture. 
What is the present number of inhabitants in New England? What are scattered over the 
surface? What was the state of the country a little more than 200 years ago? What of the 
PiirilaiH? What occurred in a few years after the arrival of the Puritans? What did tl« 
Indians do? Wiiat happened between the whites and Indians^ 















NEW YORK. 


S2 

them; the white people conquered the^Indians, the latter retired, 
and left the whites in possession of the country. It was divided 
into several colonies, subject to the king of England. The gov¬ 
ernment at length became oppressive, and the people of New Eng¬ 
land united with the other states in throwing off the English 
dominion. The colonies thus became free and independent states. 
Maine continued to belong to Massachusetts till 1820, when the 
people formed, a government for themselves, and were admitted by 
Congress as one of the United States. 


16. STATE OF NEW YORK. 

Map of the United States. How Is New York hounded? Which way is it from you? 

From Maine? Rhode Island? New Hampshire? Which way is the city of New York from 

Boston? Portland? Middlebury? Hartford? 

Map of the Middle States. How many counties in New York? What counties border 
on lake Ontario? What counties lie along the river St. Lawrence? What counties are on lake 
Erie? What counties are bounded by Pennsylvania on the south? What counties are on the 
eastern border of the state? 

The teacher can now take the Atlas^ and ask from it the boundary and shire town of each 
county, if he thinks it best. 

Which is the largest river in New York? Describe the following rivers-—Hudson; Mo¬ 
hawk', St. Lawrence 5 Delaware; Susquehannah; Tioga; Alleghany; Genesee; Os¬ 

wego; Niagara; Tonnewanta; Black; Oswegatchie; St. Regis; Racket; Salmon; 
Saranac, What great lakes lie partly in New York? Where is lake George? Cayusra? 
Seneca? Oneida? Oswegatchie? Canandaigua? Chatauque? Skeneateles? Onondaga? 

What large island at the southeast corner of the state? For this island see map of New 
England. Where is Staten island? What island is the city of New York upon? Ans. Man¬ 
hattan Island. What island in Niagara river? What great canal in the state of New York? 
What is the capital? Where is Albany? Direction of All)any from tlte city of New York? 
Boston? Hartford? Providence? Portland? From you? Where is Utica? Buffalo'’ 
Rochester? Hudson? Plattsburg? Sacket’s Harbor.^ OgdensJ)urg? Auburn? West 
Point? The city »f New York? Brooklyn? Niagara Falls? Saratoga^ Ballston? New 
Lebanon? Where are the Catskiil mountains? 


17. NEW YORK, continued. 

The state of New York ranks as first among the United States, 
for commerce, wealth and population. Its territory is extensive 
and fertile, and its situation unequalled for deriving benefit from 
inland navigation. The climate is healthy and agreeable; the face 
of the country is hilly, and in parts mountainous, in the eastern 
portions; the western part is level, or moderately uneven. The 
Erie canal is by far the greatest construction of the kind in Ameri¬ 
ca, and is longer than any canal in Europe. Its extent is about 
865 miles. It furnishes an easy method of transporting to the 
Hudson river, and thence to the ocean, the products of the lands 


How was New England divided? To whom were the people subject? When the govern¬ 
ment of England became oppressive, what did the people do? What did the colonies thus 
becon^? What of the state of Maine? 

17. How does the state of New York compare with the other states for commerce, wealth 
and population? What can you sav of the territory of New York? The climate? The face 
of the country? What is the length of the Erie canal? What is the use of this canal? 



NEW YORK. 


S3 


near it, as well as those on the borders of the great western lakes. 
The following picture exhibits a view on this canal. 



The northern canal, 62 miles in length, extends from .the south¬ 
ern point of lake Champlain to a place, a few miles from Albany, 
where the Erie canal terminates. The Delaware and Hudson 
canal extends from the Hudson river to the Delaware, and is 108 
miles in length. There are several other canals in the state of 
New York, and a number of rail roads are either projected or begun. 
One of these is cornpleted, from Albany to some distance west of 
Schenectady, and cars driven by steam carry passengers upon it. 

The Catskill mountains are very elevated, and the scenery among 
them is highly picturesque and often sublime. At an elevation of 
about 2,000 feet, there is a small lake, from which issues a stream, 
that, in its descent, forms a cataract of about 300 feet fall. At a 
distance, this object resembles a white ribbon hung in the air. 

There are several salt springs in this state; the most important 
are at Salina, where more than a million of bushels of salt are pro¬ 
duced annually. The famous mineral springs of Ballston and Sara¬ 
toga are the resort of me sick, gay and fashionable, during the lat¬ 
ter portion of summer. There are warm springs at New Lebanon, 
which are visited for bathing. 

The falls of Niagara, which are partly in this state, are the most 
stupendous cataract in the world. The waters accumulated from 
the great upper lakes, forming a river about three-fourths of a mile 
in width, plunge over the rocks in two columns, to the depth of 

Describe the picture. What is the length of the northern canal? Where does it begin, and 
where end? What of the Delaware and Hudson canal? Other canals? Rail roads? 

What of the Catskill range of mountains? What curiosity is there among these mountains^ 
What salt springs in the slate of New York? Where are the most important? How many 
bushels of salt are produced annually at Salina? AVhaf celebrated mineral springs in the state 
of New York? Who resort to these springs? What sprinsrs are resorted to for bathing? 

What is the most stupendous caUiract in tlua world? What b the width of the river at the 
falU? 














34 


NEW YORK. 


about 150 feet. The shock makes the earth tremble for a consider¬ 
able distance around, and a cloud of vapor rises over the spot, which 
is sometimes visible for 20 or 30 miles. This place is visited by 
many persons during the summer and autumn ; the scene is calcu¬ 
lated to excite the most profound emotions in the beholder. 

Trenton falls, 14 miles from Utica, consisting of a succession of 
cascades, with beautiful scenes around, are very interesting. Co¬ 
hoes falls, the falls of the Gennessee at Rochester, Glenn’s falls, 
Baker’s falls, falls on the Black river, and some others, are all in¬ 
teresting objects. 

The city of New York is the most populous city in America, and 
is one of the first commercial places in the world. It is admirably 
situated for trade, and many of the streets present scenes of bustle 
and activity nowhere else to be met with in this country. Its city 
hall is one of the most sj)lenJid edifices in the United States. The 
following cut rei)resents a scene in one of the streets of this city. 
Population 213,000 



Albany, a fine town on the Hudson river, near which the Erie 
canal unites with that stream, is the place of meeting for the legis¬ 
lature, and is the second town in the state, in point of population 
and commerce. It contains a very handsome stone state-house, 
and other public buildings. Pop. 24,200. Hudson, at the head 
of ship navigation on the Hudson river, has considerable trade, and 
some manufactures. Pop. 5,400. Poughkeepsie, Troy, Newburgh, 
Catskill, Lansingburg, are towns of considerable importance. 

Whal is Ihe height of the falls? W'liat effect is produced by the shock? Describe the 
cloud that ascends troin the falls. What emotions are excited by beholding this vast work of 
nature? What can von say of Trenton falls? Cohoes falls? Gennessee falls'’ Glenn’s falls' 
Baker’s falls' Black river fafls? 

What is the most po|)ulous city in America? What can you say of New York as a com¬ 
mercial city' Its situation? The scenes exhibited in many of its kreets? What of its city 
hall' Describe the picture. Population of city of New York? 

Describe Alliany. \V bat of FluJsou? I’oughkeiiiisie' Newburgh' Catskill? Lausingburg? 






































NEW JERSEY. 


35 


Schenectady has a flourishing college. Utica is a thriving piace, 
with an extensive inland trade. Pop. 8,300. Rochester has also 
considerable trade, and is rapidly increasing. Pop. 9,300. Canan¬ 
daigua is a fine town. Auburn, Bufi'alo, Geneva, Lockport, and 
many others, are considerable places. 

The University of New York, in the city of New York, embraces 
1 Columbia College and a fiourishing medical institution. Union 
College has a respectable rank among the higher seminaries in the 
United States. Hamilton College, at Clinton, is a well endowed 
I institution. At West Point, there is an excellent military academy 
! under the direction of the government of the United States. 

There is a theological seminary, supported by Episcopalians, in 
the city of New York; one at Auburn, belonging to the Presbyte¬ 
rians; and another at Hamilton, under the direction of the Baptists. 

' Beside these, there are about 40 public academies in the state. 
There is a fund of 1,705,000 dollars, the revenue of which is devot¬ 
ed to the maintenance of common schools*. 

18. STATE OF NEW JERSEY. 

Map of the United States. How is New Jersey bounded? In what direction is it from 
you? Which way is it from New Hampshire? Vermont? Rhode Island? Connecticut? 
Maine? W^hich way is Trenton from Boston? Hartford? Providence? Portland? From you? 

Map of the Middle States. How many counties in New Jersey? Which are the two north¬ 
ern counties? The three southern? What counties touch the western boundary of the state? 
W'^hat the eastern boundary? 

Let the teachei', if he thinks bestj take the Atlas, and ask the pupil the boundary and shire- 
town of each county. 

, Describe the Hudson river; Raritan; Passaic; Hackinsack. What is the capital of New 
Jersey? Where is Trenton? Its direction from New York? Albany? BulfaJo? Where is 
Newark? New Brunswick? Elizabethtown? Burlington? Patterson? What bay south of 
New Jersey? 

19. NEW JERSEY, continued. 

New Jersey is small in extent, but its manufactures are consid¬ 
erable. The face of the country is diversified; in the northern part 
it is mountainous; in the middle, hilly; the southern part is flat and 
sandy. The central portions of New Jersey are very fertile; the 
southern parts produce pears, peaches and apples, in great perfec¬ 
tion. From the latter, the inhabitants make cider, which is esteemed 
the best in the United States. The Philadelphia market is supplied 
with some of its best kitchen vegetables from the southern counties. 


Schenectady? Utica? Rochester? Canandaigua? Auburn? Buffalo? Geneva? Lock- 
I port? 

' What of the University of New York? Union College? Hamilton College? The Acade- 
I iny at West Point? What theological seminary in the city of New York? What at Aii- 
I burn? At Hamilton? How many incorporated academies in this state? What supj)orl is 
; given in this stale to common schools? 

19. What of the extent of New Jersey? What of its manufactures? Of the face of the 
country? Of the fertility of the central portions of the state? What do the southern parts 
produce? What do the people of New Jersey make that is celebrated^ What do the people 
I the southern counties hunish the I'hiladeinhia market with ? 








36 


PENNSYLVANIA. 



The following' picture represents a mill where cider is made—an 
object frequently seen in this state. 


The falls of Passaic, at Patterson, may be regarded as one of the 
most beautiful natural objects in the world. The river, which is 
forty yards wide, rushes in one entire sheet over a rock, and falls 
perpendicularly 70 feet. 

The Morris canal crosses the northern part of the state, from 
NeAV Jersey to the Pennsylvania coal region. Several rail-roads 
are also begun in this state. 

Trenton, the seat of government, is finely situated on the Dela¬ 
ware, 80 miles from Philadelphia. Pop. 4,000. Newark, on the 
Passaic, nine miles from New York, is a very pleasant town. Poj). 
11,000. Elizabethtown, Burlington, and Ncav Brunswick, are all 
very agreeable places. Patterson is distinguished for its manufac¬ 
tories, situated at the falls. 

Princeton is the seat of the College of New Jersey, which is one 
of the most respectable institutions of the kind in our country. At 
the same place is a Theological Seminary, under the direction of 
the Presbyterians. At Ncav Brunswick there is a Theological 
Seminary, belonging to the Dutch Reformed Church, Avith which a 
literary institution called Rutgers college is united. There are 
about 20 academies in the state. 

20. STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Mnp of the United States. How is Pennsylvania liounded? In what direction i.« it froit. 
Maine? Massachusetts? Vermont? New York? From you? Which way is Philadelphia 


Describe the picture. 

Descrihe the Passaic falls. Where are these falls? What of the Morris canal? AAOiat of 
lail-roads? What of Trenton? Of Newark? Elizahethlown? New liruiiswick? Piince- 
lon? Burlington? Patterson? 

What of New Jersey college? Where is this ctllege? What other seminary at Priucelou? 
What institution at New Brunswick^ Uow many academies in New Jersey' 










PENNSYLVAJilA. 37 

from New York? Trenton? Albany? Hartford? Providence? Boston? Portland? From 
you? 

Map of the Middle States, How many counties in Pennsylvania? What counties touch 
the state of New York on the north? Wliat counties touch the eastern border^’ What the 
southern? What the western? 

Let the teacher, if he thinks best, ask the pupil the boundary and shire town of each county, 
from the map. ^ 

What is the capital? Where is Harrisburg? Direction from New York? Trenton? Al¬ 
bany? Where is Lancaster? Philadelpliia? Reading? Carlisle? Pittsburg? York? De¬ 
scribe the Delaware river; Schuylkill; Susquehannar.; Lehigh; Juniata; Alleghany; 
Monongahela; Ohio; Youghiogeny. What mountains in this state? In what part of the 
state do they lie? 


21. PENNSYLVANIA, continued. 

Pennsylvania is a large state, and in parts fertile and well culti¬ 
vated; it is rich in manufactures, and enjoys a climate at once 
healthful and agreeable. It abounds in fruit, possesses fine roads, 
and excellent stone bridges, and may be regarded as one of the 
niost important of the United States. The following picture ex¬ 
hibits a view in Pennsylvania. 



; The middle regions including nearly one half the state are moun- 
I tainous; the other parts are chiefly level, or moderately uneven. 
I West of the Alleghanies, the country is elevated and hilly. In 
! passing through this state, the traveller may observe some of the 
j finest agricultural districts in the Union. The mountainous parts 
are uncultivated except in some of fhe valleys. 

Pennsylvania has, of late, manifested great spirit and enterprise 
in the construction of canals. The Union canal unites the Schuyl¬ 
kill and Susquehannah rivers. The Pennsylvania canal, designed, 

21. Give a general description of Pennsylvania. In what does it abound? What does it 
prossess? How may it be regarded? Describe the picture. 

Describe the surface of the country. What may a traveller observe in passing^through this 
etate? What of the mountainous parts of Pennsylvania? 

What has Pennsylvania maaiftsled of late? Descifbe the Union canal; the Pennsylvania 
canal. 

4 














38 


PENNSYLVANIA. 


in connexion wiin a rail-road, to unite the eastern and western 
parts of the state, is now in progress. There are many other 
canals either completed or begun in this state. Several rail-roads 
are also commenced. 

Pennsylvania is more largely engaged in manufactures than any 
other of the states. It also abounds in pit coal; the mines in the 
vicinity of Pittsburg suj)j)ly that city and its manufactures at the 
rate of three cents a bushel. From the Lehigh, Schuylkill and 
other mines in the neighborhood, Philadelphia, New York, as well 
as Boston and other Atlantic towns, are furnislied wholly, or in part, 
with their fuel. The engraving represents some of the cars, laden 
with coal, descending on the rail-road. 



Iron ore is also abundant, as well as marble of a fine quality. 
Bedford springs, near Bedford, and York springs, 15 miles from : 
Carlisle, are useful in various diseases, and are much resorted to. 
'I'here are celebrated oil springs about 11 miles from Franklin. j 

Philadelphia is the second city in the United States, in population, 
and the first in the amount of its manufactures. It is pleasantly 
situated between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, about six miles I 
from their confluence. It is one of the most regular cities in the | 
world, its streets uniformly crossing each other at right angles. ; 
The picture which follows on the next page exhibits a scene in one ' 
of the streets of Philadelphia. 

This city is built of brick, and is remarkable for its cleanliness. 
Some of the streets are adorned with handsome public, as well as 

Ollier canals? Rail-roads? What of Pennsylvania in regard to manufactures? In what ! 
kind of coal does it abound? What of the coal mines near Pii-tsburg? What of the 
Lehigh coal mines? Describe the picture. What ore is abundant in Pennsylvania? What 
kimlof stone? What medicinal springs in Pennsylvania? Oil springs? 

What of Philadelphia in regard to population? In respect to its manufactures? How is 
Philadelphia siliialed? Wh.at can you say of the arrangement of its streets? Describe the 
picture. Of what is it built? P'or what is it rcmaikable? With what are me of its streets 
»4ioiued^ 








PENNSYLVANIA. 


39 



: private buildings. The bank of the United States is doubtless the 
i most chaste and elegant edifice in this country. The Fair mount 
I water-works, by which the city is supplied with water from the 
I Schuylkill, is a most useful and ingenious construction. The daily 
j expense of this establishment, by which such prodigious quantities 
' of water are raised from the river, as to supply this great city, is 
I very trifling. Philadel}>hia contains 60 houses of public worship, 
several extensive and valuable public libraries, and many benevolent, 
literary and scientific institutions. Population, 168,000. 


Pittsburg, situated at the confluence of the Monongahela and 
kI Alleghany, which unite and form the Ohio, is the centre of an exten- 
^ sive trade, and is not only the seat of the principal manufactures in 

i”! What can you say of the bank of the United States? What of the Fair mount water- 
jI,; works? How many houses of public worship in Philadelphia? What public institutions in 
that city? 

How is Pittsburg situated? Describe tj^epietpfe. ^,What is it the seat of? 



























40 


DELAWARfi. 


Pennsylvania, but one of the most considerable manufacturing towiw 
in America. By means of the Ohio, it has an easy communication 
with New Orleans and the Western States; and the abundant and 
cheap supply of coal in its vicinity, added to other circumstances, 
renders its advantages very great. Pop. 17,000. 

Harrisburg, the seat of government, is a handsome town, pleasant¬ 
ly situated on the Susquehannah, 90 miles from Philadelphia. 
Pop. 4,300. Lancaster is a remarkably beautiful town, situated in 
a pleasant and highly cultivated region, and carries on a large trade 
with the interior. Reading is an agreeable jdace, and has consid¬ 
erable trade and manufactures. Carlisle, York, Chambersburg, 
Germantown, Eaton, and Bethlehem, are also towns of some im¬ 
portance. 

The University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, consists of four 
departments. The medical department holds the first rank among 
the medical institutions of the United States. Besides this, there 
are Washington College at Washington; Jefferson College at 
Canonsburg; and Alleghany College at Meadville. The Moravians 
have flourishing seminaries at Bethlehem, Nazareth and Litz. 

The inhabitants of this state are emigrants from various parts of 
Europe, and their descendants. About one half are of English 
origin; one fourth German; one eighth Irish; and the remainder 
Scotch, AVelsh, Swedish and Dutch. The English is the prevail¬ 
ing language, but German is also extensively spoken. Newspapers, 
almanacs, and some books, in the German language, are published 
in the state. 


22. STATE OF DELAWARE. 

Mnp of the United States. How is Delaware bounded.^ In what direction is if from New 
Jersev:’ Vermont? Massachusetts? 'Which way is Dover from Philadelphia'* New York? 
Harilord? Boston? Montpelier? Concord? From you? 

Map of the Middle States. How many counties in Delaware? Which is the northern 
county? Which the southern? Which tire middle? Tell the shire town of each «(*unty. 
W'hai is the capital of Delaware? Where is Dover? Direction from New York? Harris¬ 
burg? Trenton? Where is Newcastle? Vl^ilmiugton? What bay between Delaware and 
New Jersey? Describe Brandywine creek; Duck creek; Christian creek; Indian river ; 
Choptank; Nanticoke. Where is cape May ? Cape Henlopen? 

23. DELAWARE, continued. 

Delaware is, in extent, the smallest of the American states, with 
the exception of Rhode Island; in respect to population, it is the 

By what means has it an easy communication with New Orleans? What gives Pittsburg 
great advantages? What of Harrisburg? What of Lancaster? Reading? Carlisle? York? 
Chambersburg? Eaton? Germantown? Bethlehem? 

Where is the University of Pennsylvania? What of this institution? What other «ollege» 
in Pennsylvania? Where have the Moravians flourishing schools? 

What part of the inhabitants of this state are of English origin? What portion of German^ 
origin? What portion of Irish? What is tlie origin of the remainder of the inhabitants o' 
Pennsylvania? What language is principallv spoken in Pennsylvania? What other language is 
extensively used? What publications are there in Geruir.n? 

23. Which of the United States has the smallest territory? Which, afte^t Rhode- Ishuxi, 
has the smallest territory? Which has the smallest nuuibei' of inhabitants’ 





AIIDDLE STATES 


4! 


smallest. The land in the northern part of the state is hilly, but 
fertile, and well suited to agriculture; the rest of the state has the 
aspect of an extended plain, the soil being sandy and unproductive. 
Wheat is extensively raised in this state, of an excellent quality. 
I The following is a picture of a mill for manufacturing wheat into 
j flour, with a vessel waiting to carry it away. 



, On the Brandywine, near Wilmington, and the neighborhood, 
1 there are considerable manufactories for paper, woollen goods, and 
gunpowder, and the best flour mills in the United States. The 
commerce of the state is inconsiderable. 

The Chesapeake and Delaware canal, which crosses the peninsula 
» in the states of Delaware and Maryland, in a direction nearly east 
■ and west, opens a communication between Delaware riveV and 
1 Chesapeake bay. It is calculated for vessels of a draught not ex- 
■■ ceeding 10 feet. Its length is 14 miles, its breadth 60 leet. 
j Dover, the seat of government, situated on Jones’s creek, con- 
ij tains a handsome state-house. Pop. 1,200. Wilmington is the 
: largest town, and has considerable trade, and extensive manufac¬ 
tures. Pop. 6,600. At Lewiston, there are works for the manu¬ 
facture of salt from sea water; Newcastle has some trade; George- 
t> town and Milford are considerable places. 

,e 

; 24. The fouu MIDDLE STATES. 

*Mi Map of the Middle States. W'hich four states are railed tlie Middle Slates? Boundaries 
[l of the Middle States? Which are the three principal rivers in the Mitldle States? Describe 
;• I the Hudson', Delaware; Susquehannah. 

nr ■ 

0 t Describe the face of the country in Delaware; the soil. What is raised in Delaware, of an 
“i excellent quality, and to a con-iderable extent? Describe the picture. What manufactories 
' on the Brandvwinc? What mills? 'What of the commerce of Delaware? 

4 Describe tlie Chesapeake and Delaware canal. For what is it calculated? Its lenu;th’ 
i Width? ^ ^ ' 

I What of Dover? Wilmington? Lewiston? Newcastle? Georgetown? Milford? 























42 


MIDDLE STATES. 


What large island m the TiTiddle States? What bay between Delaware and New Jeisey* 
What cape at (he soulliern part of New .Terse}^? 

What are (he capilals of the four Middle Stales? What is the direction of the foilowiig 
places from New York;—Philadelphia? Trenton? Dover? Pittsburg? Harrisburg? Buf¬ 
falo? .4.1hany? Elizabethtown? 

Distances of the Ibllowing places from New York? Plattsburg, Albany, Utica, Trenton,. 
Philadelphia, Dover, Baltimore, Washington, Norfolk, Wilmington, Newbern, Raleigh. 

Which is the most extensive of the Middle Statesi* The next? The nexti* The smallest.^ 
See tabular views. 


25. MIDDLE STATES, continued. 

The four Middle States occupy one of the finest portions of this 
country. Their surface presents every variety of mountain, hill, 
plain and valley. In general, the soil is fertile, and particularly 
favorable to the jiroduction of various kinds of grain. Wheat is 
the principal object of agriculture. Indian corn, rye, barley, and 
oats, are also extensively cultivated. Apples, pears and peaches 
are abundant, and arrive at great perfection. The climate is ex¬ 
cellent, the winters are milder and shorter than in New England; 
sleighing is not common, except in the northern and western parts 
of the state of New York, and among the mountainous regions of 
Pennsylvania. The spring and autumn are delightful; the sum¬ 
mers in Pennsylvania and Delaware are very warm. 

The commerce of the Middle States is extensive, and is chiefly 



carried on through the cities of New York and Philadelphia, to 
which it centres; the trade, however, of a part of Pennsylvania 
and a part of Delaware, goes to Baltimore. The preceding pic¬ 
ture re])resents a place of deposit for wheat and other grain, which 
are the chief agricultural products of these states. 

The Middle States were originally settled by people from different 


25. What of (he four Muidle States? Face of tbs counlry? Soil? Produclioa*^ 
Fruits? Describe (he climate. ^Vhal of commerce and 'rade? Describe the picture. 

What of (he settlement of tliese slates^ 


















































MARYLAT^D 


43 


countries, having- different habits, feelings and opinions. Society, 
therefore, does not possess a uniform character, which enables us to 
describe it in general terms. The people have not that unity of 
feeling and interest, which we observe in the New England States, 
and the only reason for their being classed together appears to be 
! that of contiguity. They seldom unite for any public purpose, 
I and there seems to be no sympathy, or common feeling, which is 
' likely to make them act in concert in public affairs. 

I The population of the Middle States is about 3,700,000. This 
I division of the country embraces the two largest and most commer- 
) cial cities in the Union. The first settlement in New York was 
i made by Dutch emigrants in 1614. The colony was ceded to the 
I British in 1674, and remained subject to them till the revolution, 
i New Jersey was settled by a few Danes and Dutch as early as 
f 1624. Elizabethtown was settled in 1664. Emigrants from various 
( countries established themselves here, but the colony was subject to 
I Great Britain till 1774. During the revolutionary war, many cele¬ 
brated battles were fought in this state. 

Pennsylvania was first settled by the Swedes in 1627; it was 
conquered by the Dutch in 1654; and, ten years afterwards, the 
Dutch surrendered it to the English. In 1631, it was granted to 
the celebrated William Penn, who soon after came over with a 
colony of Friends, and laid the foundation of Philadelphia. Dela¬ 
ware was first settled in 1627, by Swedes and Finns. 

26. STATE OF MARYLAND. 

Map of the United States. Direction from Maine? New York? New Jersey? Direc- 
Ijoij of Baltimore from Boston? Hartford? Montpelier? Providence? Trenton? Phila¬ 
delphia? From you? 

Map of the Middle States, Boundaries? How many counties in Maryland ? What bay 
' divides triis state into two parts? Which counties are on the western shore ol Chesapeake 
bay? Which on the eastern? 

Let the teacher ask the boundaries and shire town of each county from the map. 

Describe the Susquehannah river; Patapsco; Patuxent; Elk; Sassafras; Chester; Chop- 
tank; Nanticoke; Pocomoke. What is the capital of Maryland? Where is Annapolis? Di¬ 
rection from Albany? Trenton? Harrisburg? Concord? Dover? Where is Hagerstown? 
Baltimore? Fredericktown? 


27. MARYLAND, continued. 

The eastern portion of Maryland, called the Eastern shore, is 
loAv, level and sandy: the western part is similar, except in the 
northwestern portion, which is mountainous; and the northern 
parts, which are hilly and variegated. It is a highly commercial 
stale, and exports large quantities of flour and tobacco, partly the 
produce of its own soil, and partly the produce of the adjacent 

Society? Do these states usually act in concert? Why do they not act in concert? Pres¬ 
ent population? What remarkable cities in this division of the United States? What can you 
tell of tlie history of New York? What of the history of New Jersey? What of the history 
of Pennsylvania? Delaware? 

27. Describe the face of the country on the Eastern shore of Maryland; on the wester*. 
What of Maryland as to commerce? What of its exports? 







44 


MARYLAND 


states. The Chesapeake and Delaware canal, described under 
Delaware, is partly in this state. A rail-road from Baltimore to the 
Ohio river, has been commenced, and the prospect is favorable for 
its successful execution. 

The largest town in Maryland is Baltimore, which is a fine city, 
the third in size in the United States. It is beautifully situated on 
the Patapsco, and is a place of great commerce. Many of the ships 
which sail from Baltimore are celebrated as fast sailers. The fol¬ 
lowing picture represents one of these at sea. 



This city is regularly laid out, and possesses many splendid edi¬ 
fices. The Roman Catholic cathedral is a truly magnificent build¬ 
ing. The Washington monument is a superb stone structure, 163 
leet high. Battimore has 80,600 inhabitants. 

Fredericktown, situated in a fruitful tract of country, is a very 
handsome town, and carries on considerable inland trade. Hagers¬ 
town is also a flourishing place. Elkton, Chestertown, and Cam¬ 
bridge, are considerable places. 

There is a flourishing literary institution in Baltimore, called the 
University of Maryland. The medical department forms one of the 
most valuable medical schools in the United States. There are 
two other colleges in Baltimore; St. Mary’s college, and Baltimore 
college. Beside these, there are about 20 academies, supported in 
part by the government, and provision has been recently made for 
establishing primary, or common schools, throughout the state, to 
be supported by a public tax. 

V.)f the Chesapeake and Delaware canal? Of the Baltimore and Ohio rail-road? 

What is the largest town? What is the rank of, Baltimore among the cities of the United 
States? How is Baltimore situated? Describe the picture. What of the Roman Catholic 
catliedral? Washington monument? Population of Baltimore^ 

What of Fredericktown? Hagerstown? Elkton? Chestertown? Cambridge? 

What (lounsliing literary institution in Baltimore? What of the medical department in the 
University of Maryland? What other colleges in Baliimoie? IIow many academies? For 
what has provision been recently made in Idaiylaud? 














DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 


45 


28. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

Map of the Middle States. How is the district of Coluinhia bounded? What river divides 
' jI? On which side of the Potomac is Washington? On whicli side is Alexandria? On whicli 
side is Georgetown? What is the shape of the District of Columbia? 

1 Map of the United States. In what direction is Portland from Washington? Concord? 
I Montpelier? Hartford? Boston? New York? Trenton? Philadelphia? Dover? Balti- 
Diore' In what direction is Washington from you? 

; 29. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, continued. 

The District of Columbia is a tract of land 10 miles square, ceded 
by Maryland and Virginia to the United States. It is not a state, 
nor does it belong to either of the states. It pertains to the govern¬ 
ment of the United States, and is set apart for, and placed under 
the direction of, the genera! government. 

The government of the United States is committed to a presi¬ 
dent, and congress. Congress consists of two bodies—the senate 
I and the house of representatives. They meet at Washington, in a 
I building called the capitol, once a year, to enact laws. The presi- 
I dent lives in a public building, about a mile from the capitol, and 
I his duty is to ensure tlie execution of the laws. Here is a picture 
of the president of the United States, at Washington, near his 
house. 



Washington is the capital of the United States. It is situated 
on the Potomac, about 300 miles, by the course of the river and 
bay, from the ocean. It is pleasantly situated, and is laid out in a 
manner to render it a magnificent city, when the plan is completed. 


29. What of the DistnVf of Columbia? Whom does it belong to? Under what direction 
' and government is it? Of what does the government of the United States at Washington con¬ 
sist? Of what does congress consist? How often does congress meet? Where does it meet.^' 
p'or what purpose does congress meet? Where does the president live? What is his duly? 
describe tlie nicliire. 

What uf VVashington-^ , 













































46 


VIRGINIA. 


The Capitol, constructed of light-colored free-stone, is by far the 
most splendid edifice in the United States. In this building, con¬ 
gress meets every winter to enact laws. The other public buildings 
are, the general post-office, the president’s house, about a mile from 
the capitol, and four buildings for the four departments of the gov¬ 
ernment; viz. the department of state, of the treasury, war, and the 
navy. Pop. 18,800. 

Alexandria has a considerable trade, principally in flour. Popu¬ 
lation, 8,200. Georgetown is a handsome place, with some trade. 
Pop. 8,400. There is a Catholic college in Georgetown, with 
handsome endowments. Columbia College, at Washington, is 
pleasantly situated, about a mile from the president’s house to the 
north. 

30. STATE OF VIRGINIA. 

Map of the United States. Boundaries? Direction from Maine? Massachusetts? New 
York? Rhode Island? From you? Which way is Richmond from Portland? Boston? 
Washington? New York? Philadelphia? Dover? Annapolis? From you? 

Map of the Middle States^ and Map of the So^Uhern States. How many counties in 
Virginia? What counties west cf the Blue Ridge? East of the Blue Ridge? 

Where is cape Charles? cape Henry? Describe the Potomac iiver j the Rappahannock; 
James', York; Sandy; Elk; Guiandot ; Ohio; Great Kenliawa; Little Kenhawa? 
Roanoke. What is the capital? Direction of Richmond from Washington? New York? 
Pittsburg? Where is Philadelphia? Annapolis? Where is Norfolk? Petersburg? 'Char¬ 
lottesville? Lynchburg? What range of mountains in this state? In which direction does 
this range cross the state? 


31. VIRGINIA, CONTINUED. 

Virginia has a larger territory than any. other of the United 
States. Its extent is nearly equal to that of all the New England 
States. The Alleghany mountains pass through the western part 
of the state. The main range passes between the waters of the 
Kenhawa and James rivers. East of this range, and parallel to it, , 
is the Blue ridge, which divides the state into two nearly equal 
parts. The loftiest peaks ol'the Blue ridge are 4000 feet in height. 

The land west of the Blue ridge is high and mountainous; on 
the east, it is at first hilly, but soon becomes low and level, and 
thus extends to the sea-coast. East of the Blue ridge, the inhahi- 
tauts are principally planters, who live on their estates, the soil be¬ 
ing cultivated by slaves. West of the Blue ridge, there are fewer 
slaves, and the white people labor, as in New England. 


The capitol? What public buildings, in Washington, beside the capitol? What of Alexan¬ 
dria? Georgetown? What college at Georgetown? What college at Washington? 

31. Which is the largest of the United States? What state is nearly as large as all New 
England? What mountains pass through the western part of Viiglnia? Between the waters 
of what rivers does the main range pass? Where is the Blue ridge? In what direction does 
the Blue ridge run? How does the Blue ridge divide Virginia? How high are the loftiest 
peaks of the Blue ridge? 

Describe the face of the county east of the Blue ridge; west. What of the inhaldtants west 
of Uie Blue ridge? East of the Blue ridge* 





VIRGINIA. 


47 


The staple productions of Virginia are wheat and tobacco; these 
are principally exported in northern and eastern vessels. Indian 
corn, rye, hemp and flax, are extensively cultivated. There are 
iron works in various parts of the state. There are gold mines in 
the mountainous regions, which are wrought to some extent. 

Coal of an excellent quality is abundant on James river, 15 miles 
above Richmond; limestone, lead and chalk, are also found in the 
state. Berkley springs, and the warm and hot springs near Bath, 
are much resorted to, on account of their medicinal virtues. The 
hot springs are sometimes sufficiently heated to boil an egg. 

There is a remarkable natural bridge, over Cedar creek, in this 
state. It extends across a chasm, from 60 to 80 feet in width, and 
250 feet deep, at the bottom of which the creek flows. This stu¬ 
pendous arch is looked tipon by the beholder with mingled emotions 
of awe and delight. 

There is a curious cave, called Blowing cave, in one of the ridges 
of the Alleghany mountains. It is a hole, about 100 feet in dimen¬ 
sions, in the side of a hill, from which a stream of air rushes with 
sufficient force to prostrate the grass and weeds, at a distance of 60 
feet! Madison’s cave, near Staunton, extends into the earth 300 
feet. Wier’s cave, on the north side of the Blue ridge, consists of 
several apartments, and is between 2,000 and 3,000 feet in length. 
Some of the apartments display the most brilliant stalactites and in¬ 
crustations, when viewed by torch-light. The passage of the Po¬ 
tomac river through the Blue ridge at Harper’s Ferry, presents a 
beautiful and stupendous scene. 



What are the principal or staple productions of Virginia? How are they exported ? What 
other articles are extensively cultivated, beside wheat and tobacco, in Virginia? What works 
in various parts of the state? What of gold mines? 

What of coal in Virginia? Limestone? Chalk? Lead? What springs in Virginia? What 
of the hot springs? What of the natural bridge? What of the Blowing cave? Madison’s cave^ 
Wier’s cave^ what orthe passage of the Totomac‘thnnigh the Bluetid^e^ 



































48 


NORTH CAROLINA 


Virginia is remarkable as the birth-place of Washington. Three 
other jiresidents of the United States—Jefferson, Madison and 
Monroe—were natives of Virginia. The preceding jiicture repre¬ 
sents the rock bridge in the background; the monument, in the 
foreground, commemorates Washington, one of the greatest and 
best of men who has ever lived. 

Richmond, the capital of the state, is the largest town. It is 
beautifully situated, at the falls of James river, about 150 miles from 
the mouth. It has several handsome public buildings, and carries 
on a considerable trade. Pop. 16,000. 

Norfolk has a fine harbor, and more foreign commerce than any 
other town in the state. Pop. 9,800. Petersburg has a large trade 
in tobacco and flour. Fredericksburg receives large quantities of 
flour from the surrounding counties, which is exported from thence. 
Lynchburg is the centre of trade for the neighboring district. 
Yorktown is famous for the surrender of the British army at that 
])lace to the American forces under the command of Washington, 
near the close of the revolutionary war. 

The University of Virginia is established at Charlottesville; the 
buildings were erected at great expense, and on an extensive 
scale. There are three other colleges in the state—William and 
Mary’s College, at Williamsburg; Washington College, at Lexing-, 
ton; and Hampden Sidnev College, in Prince Edward’s county 
This state has a literary fund of about 1,100,000 dollars; 45,000 
dollars of the annual income is appropriated to common schools; 
and 15,000 to the University of Virginia. There are academies in 
various parts of the state. 

82. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. 

Map of the United States. How is this slate bounded? In what direction is it from New i 

York state? From Vermont? Delaware? Massachusetts? District of Columbia? What I 

three capes on the coast? What is the capital of the state? W'here is Haleisrh? Which way i 

is Raleigh from Washington? Boston? New York? Hartford? Providence? Trenton? ( 

From you? Where is Fayetteville? Newbern? Huntsville? Williamston? Wilmington? | 
Describe the Roanoke riverj Chowan 5 Neuse; Cape Fear; Yadkin; Catawba; Great 1 
Pedee; French; Broad. What mountains cross the state near the western border? t 

Afap of the Middle States, and Map of the Southern States. What counties border on Albe- ' 
marie sound? On Pamlico sound? What rivers empty into Pamlico sound ? What into Ailie- 
marie sound? Let the teacher ask the boundaries and names of the several counties from the 
two maps. 

33. NORTH CAROLINA, continued. 

North Carolina is divided into 62 counties. The coast is bor¬ 
dered by a ridge of sand, separated from the main land by sounds 

On what account is Virginia remarkable? How many presidents have been natives of Vir¬ 
ginia? Describe the picture. 

What of Richmond? No’folk? Petersburg? Fredericksburg? Lynchburg? Yorktown? 
What of the University of Virginia? What other colleges in Virginia? What literarv fund 
has this stated How large a portion of the income is devoted to the support of common schools? 
How much to the University of Vir ginia? 

23. into how many counties is North Caiolina divided' 




NORTH CAROLINA. 


49 

and broad bays. The western part of this state is monritamoiis; it 
becomes hilly toward the east, and, about 80 miles IVom the sea- 
coast, is low and sandy. Dismal swamp, 30 miles long, and 10 
broad, is partly in this state, and partly in Virginia. A great many 
birds which spend the summer in the "northern and eastern states, 
live in this swamp during the winter. Tobacco and Indian corn 
are extensively cultivated. Wheat, rice, barley, oats and hem]), 
are among the other productions. The low country is princi])allv 
occupied with pine forests, which yield tar, pitch, turpentine and 
boards, constituting one half the exports of the state. 

On the coast of North Carolina there are numerous sand banks 
and islands, which render the approach to it, from sea, dilficult and 
dangerous. Its commerce is principally carried on through the 
seaports of neighboring states. Near the western border, there are 
several mineral springs, which are found useful in various diseases. 
Ararat, or Pilot mountain, near Salem, is esteemed a great curiosity. 
It is nearly a mile high; at the top, a stupendous rock rises, like a 
steeple, to the height of three hundred feet. 

Gold has been recently found in the mountainous parts of North 
Carolina and the adjacent states, in considerable quantities. Many 
persons are engaged in obtaining it. It is stated that 20,000 per¬ 
sons are employed chiefly in North Carolina and Georgia. The 
value of the gold annually procured is variously estimated from 



1,000,000, to 5,000,000 dollars. Travellers who have visited d > 
gold mines, give a very interesting account of them. The preceding 

Describe the face of the country in North Carolina. What of Dismal swamp.^ What arti¬ 
cles are extensively cultivated in North Carolina.'' What articles, beside tobacco and Indian 
corn, are among the products of the state.^ What articles constitute one Jialf tlie exports of 
the state.’’ 

What of the coast of North Carolina.^ How is the commerce of this state principalle carried 
on? What mineral springs in this state? Describe Pilot mountain. What of ^ola^ Describe 
the picture. 


5 


















50 


SOUTH CAROLINA 


picture represents people seeking for gold in the foreground; in the 
background is a view of Pilot mountain. 

Raleigh is the capital of the state. It is pleasantly situated, and 
had a state-house, in which was a costly statue of Washington, by 
Canova. This edifice was recently burned down, and the statue 
badly injured. Pop. 1,700. Newbern is the largest town in the 
state, and has considerable commerce. Pop. 3,800. Fayetteville 
is a flourishing town, and, from its favorable position, has an exten¬ 
sive trade. Great quantities of tobacco, cotton, flour, and other 
articles, are brought here from the back country, and carried down 
cape Fear river, to Wilmington. Wilmington, 35 miles from the 
sea, exports more produce than any other town in the state. 

The University of North Carolina is a flourishing institution, at 
Chapel hill, 28 miles fronj Raleigh. There is an academy for fe¬ 
males at Salem, under the direction of the Moravians, which enjoys 
a high reputation. 

Dismal swamp canal, partly in this state, and partly in Virginia, 
connects the waters of Chesapeake bay and Albemarle sound It is 
22^ miles long. 

34. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 

Map of the Southern States. Boundaries? het the pupil tell the names and boundaries 
of the counties. Direction of South Carolina from Maine? Massachusetts? Vir£;inia? Ver¬ 
mont? Rhode Island? Pennsylvania? From you? What is the capital? Which way is 
Columbia from Boston? New York? Providence? Philadelphia? Washington? Pittsburgh 
Where IS Charleston? Camden? Georgetown? Describe the Santee river; Great Pedee, 
Lillie Pedee; Saluda; Catawba: Broad; Combahee; Warcamaw; Savannah; Cooper; 
A.'liley; Edislo. What islands on the coast of South Carolina? What mountains in the 
western part of this stale? Describe the following canals. Santee; Wingaw; Kinlock 

35. SOUTH CAROLINA, continued. 

South Carolina is divided into 28 counties. The sea-coast is 
bordered with a chain of islands. The country, for about 80 miles 
from the shore, is a low, sandy plain, covered with forests of pitch 
pine. As you proceed inland, the surface, for an extent of 50 miles, 
is a region of sand hills. A ridge of considerable elevation rises 
here, and the country to the west is elevated and hilly. The Alle¬ 
ghany mountains cross the western border of the state. In the 
latter region, the air is pure, and the climate healthy; but in the 
low country, fevers prevail during the summer months, and prove 
very fatal to strangers. 

Cotton is the great staple of this state. Rice, tobacco, lumber, 
tar, pitch and turpentine, are however amongst its products. The 
exports are principally made in northern and.eastern vessels. There 
are several canals in this state. 


What of Raleigh? Newbern? Fayetteville? Wilmington? What of the University ol 
North Carolina? What academy at Salem? What of Dismal swamp canal? 

35. Ilow many counties in South Caiolina? What of the coast? Describe the face of the 
coiiiiti v. C'lVi.'iate of the upper country? Of the lower country? What is the great staple of 
this slke' Th i other produetions' What of exports^ What canals in South Gaiolma^ 



GEORGIA 


51 


'1 he western parts of this state are occupied bv farmers, who 
possess few slaves, and chiefly depend upon their*'own eflbrts for 
support. The low country is inhabited by planters, with larg-e es¬ 
tates, and numerous slaves, who perform the labor; their proprietors 
living at their ease, and possessing a high character for honor and 
independence of feeling. They are much devoted to the chase and 
other field sports. The following cut represents a planter’s house, 
with the ordinary scenes around it. 



South Carolina College, at Columbi^ is well endowed, and liber¬ 
ally patronised by the state. Academies have been established in 
various places, and 30,000 dollars are annually appropriated to free 
schools. 

The largest city in South Carolina is Charleston, It is the prin¬ 
cipal market for the products of this state, as well as a considerable 
portion of North Carolina, It is situated on a tongue of land, 
formed by the confluence of Cooper and Ashley rivers, seven miles 
from the ocean. It is laid out in a regular manner, and is a place 
of much wealth and commerce. Pop. 30,300. 

Columbia, the seat of Government, is pleasantly situated on the 
Congaree river, 120 miles from Charleston. Pop. 3,300 George¬ 
town has some trade; Camden and Beaufort are considerable places. 
Vienna, Hamburg, and Cheraw, are also towns of some importance 

36. STATE OF GEORGIA. 

Map of the United States, and Map of the Southern Slates. Boundaries? Let the pupil 
tell the names and boundaries of the counties. Direction from Vermont? Rhode Islnnd^ 
Massachusetts? Delaware? New Jersey? Maine? What is the capital? Direction of Mil 
ledgevillc from Philadelphia? Annapolis? Washington? Trenton? Boston? Portland^ 


Describe the inhabitants of the upper country. Describe those of the lower country. Describe 
the picture. What college? What of academies? What appropriations for free schools? 

What is the largest city in South Carolina? What of Charleston, as a market? flow is it 
iituaietl? How is it laid out? What of this city as to trade and commerce^ V/hat of Coluia- 
hiii? Geofi^etowu? Camden? Beauforf* 














5<2 


GEORGIA 


Hartford.'’ From yo«.? Where ts Savannah? Augusta.^ Darirn? New Echota? Elowee.^ 
Sunbury? Petersburg? Lisbon? Atliens? 

Describe the Savannah river; Great Ogeechee; Alatamaha; Sautilla; Okmulgee; Oco¬ 
nee; St Mary’s; Flint; Chatahoochee; Tallapoosa; Coosa; Siuvawnee; Etowee. De¬ 
scribe Oconee canal. What islands on the coast of Georgia? What part of the state is 
mountainous? What tribes of Indians in Georgia? Where is Nicojack cave? 

St. GEORGIA, CONTINUED. 

The face of the country in Georgia resembles that of South Car¬ 
olina. The loAV country is a sandy, barren plain; the upper coun¬ 
try, toward the northwest corner of the state, is at first hilly, and 
then rises into mountains. There is a swamp partly in this state, 
and partly in Florida, called Okelenoco, which is ISO miles in cir¬ 
cumference, and is inhabited by multitudes of snakes, alligators, 
frogs, and millions of musquitoes. 

The northwestern part of the state is occupied by a remnant of 
the Cherokee tribe of Indians. Considerable'elforts have been made 
to introduce civilisation among them, and with success. The In¬ 
dians claim to be independent, and to possess a right to make their 
own laws; while tlie state of Georgia insists that if they remain on 
their lands, they must become subject to the laws of Georgia. 

There is a curiosity, called Nicojack cave, in the northwestern 
corner of the state, which consists of a stream of water, walled in, 
and covered over with limestone rock. A gentleman who exjilored 
it, entered the cave in a canoe, and proceeded on the stream for the 
distance of several miles; he was prevented from going farther by 
a fall of water. The stream is, in some places, 6 feet deep and 60 
feet wide! The folloAving picture represents a view of the cave, 
and persons exploring it. 



Cotton is the chief product of Georgia. That which grows on 


S7 • Describe the face of the coiititry in Georgia. What of Okefenoco swamp? What 
U'ibe of Indians in Georgia? What do tliev claim? Upon what does Georgia insist? Describe 
N icoyack cave. Describe the picture. Wliat is the chief product of Geoigia? 




































ALABAMA. 


53 


the islands and near the coast, called sea island, is preferred to the 
upland cotton, which is produced in the higher districts. Oranges 
and figs grow in this state. There are rich gold mines in the 
northern part, which are extensively worked. 

Franklin college, at Athens, is a respectable institution. Provi¬ 
sion has been made by the legislature to establish an academy in 
every county; and a considerable sum has been appropriated to the 
estabiishmeiit of schools. 

Savannah, the largest town in the state, is the centre of com¬ 
merce for a great extent of country. It is regularly laid out, and 
is planted with trees, called the pride of China. Pop. about 8,000. 
Milledgeville, the seat of government, is pleasantly situated, and is 
a flourishing place. It contains several handsome public edifices of 
brick. Pop. 2,000. 

Augusta is a thriving town, and receives immense quantities of 
cotton, tobacco, and other produce, from the interior, which is car¬ 
ried by way of the river to Savannah. Pop. 6,700. Darien is a 
flourishing commercial place, near the mouth of the Alatamaha. 

38. STATE OF ALABAMA. 

Map of the United States, and Map of the Southern States. Boundaries? Let the 2 >up{l 
tell the nanies and boundaries of the counties. In what direction from New En!>;land? New 
Jersey? Delawai'e? From you? What is the capital? AVhere is Tuscaloosa? Ltirection 
from Savannah? Washington? Charleston? Hartford? Boston? From you? Where is 
Mobile? Huntsville? St. Stephen’s? Cahawba? Florida? Descrilie the Chatahoochee 
river; Tennessee; Mobile; Alabama; Coosa; Tallapoosa; Cahawba; Black Warrior; 
Elk; Conuecuh; Perdido; Tombecbe. What tribes oi Indians in Alabama? 

39. ALABAMA, continued. 

This state is divided into 33 counties. The face of the country in 
Alabama is low and level along the coast; in the middle, it is hilly; 
and in the north, it is mountainous. The soil is generally fertile; 
it is particularly so along the banks of the rivers. The low lands 
are well suited to the cultivation of rice. Cotton is the chief arti¬ 
cle of production; rice, maize and wheat, are also successfully culti¬ 
vated. The sugar-cane has recently become one of the agricultural 
productions of the state. Gold is found in the northeastern part. 

This state has recently been settled, but is rapidly increasing in 
population. Two townships of land have been granted by congress 
for the support of a college; a section of each township is devoted 
to the support of schools; and one twentieth part of the money 
received from the sale of public lands in the state is appropriated to 
the making of roads and canals. 


What two kinds of cotton in Georgia? What kind is best? What of fruit? Gold mines? 

What college in Georgia? What provision for education in Georgia? What is the largest 
town in Georgia? Describe Savannah. Wdiat of Milledgeville? Augusta? Darien? 

39. How is this state divided? What of the face ol' the country in Alabama? To what 
product are the low lands well suited? WTiat is the staple product of this stale? What are the 
other production'? What of gold? , 

What of the settlement of this state? What appropriation has been made for the settleiueuJ 
of a college? What, for common schools? What, foi roads and cauals 

5 * 




64 


MISSISSIPPI. 


The Cherokee Indians are still in possession of a larg^e tract of ! 
country, in the northeastern part of this state, contiguous to their 
lands in Georgia. A remnant of the Creek tribe inhabits the east¬ 
ern border. The territory of the Choctaw Indians includes a 
small tract of country on the western border of the state. The 
following picture represents some of these Indians. 



Mobile, the largest town, is a place of considerable trade, but the 
harbor is not easily approached by large vessels. Pop. 3,200. 
Huntsville is pleasantly situated in the midst of a very fertile 
country. 

Tuscaloosa, the capital, situated on the Black Warrior river, is a 
pleasant and handsome town. It is laid out on a regular plan, and 
lias & ])opulation of 1,600 inhabitants. 

40. STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

Map o f the United Slates, and Map of the Southern States. Boundavies? Let the pupil 
tell ike names and boundaries of the counties? Direction from Georgia? From Xew Kns- 
land? Xorlh Carolina? 'Maryland? New Jersey? What is the ca|)ilal? Where is Jack- 
son^ Direction from Washington? Pittsburg. Savannah? Trenton? Annapolis? From 
you? Where is Natches? W^ashington, in Mississippi? Shieldshoro’? Monticello? Elliot? 

Fort Adams? Bruinshurg? Describe the Yaxoo river j Yalo Bnsha; Bi" Black*, Pearl, ,, 
Pascagoula; Mississippi; Leaf; Bayou Pier; Homochitto; Chickasawhag; Tombeebe. i 
What tribes of Indians in this state? j 

41. MISSISSIPPI, CONTINUED. 

The northern part of the state is occupied by the Chickasaw In¬ 
dians; the middle and largest portion, by the Choctaws; and the 
southern part, by the whites. The latter part is divided into 
counties. The face of the country in Mississippi is level, for about 
100 miles from the sea-coast. The rest of the state is pleasantly 

What of the Cherokees? Choctaws^ Describe the picture. What of Mobile? Iluntsvillo? 
Tuscaloosa? 

41. Bv whom is the northern part of the state of Mississippi occupied? The middle parti* 

The soutfiern part? How is the southern pait divided** Ddscribe the face of ihe country 
















LOUISIANA. 


55 


diversified with moderate hills and valleys. Cotton is the chief 
production; though the state is well adajited to tobacco, indigo and 
grain. The following picture represents the manner of cultivating 
cotton; wild horses are often used in ploughing. 



Two colleges are incorporated in this state; one at Washington, 
and another at Shieldsboro’. The same ajiprojuiation has been 
I made for roads and canals in this state as in Alabama, 
j Natchez, the largest town in the state, is situated on the^Missis- 
i sippi, and occupies a bluff, which is elevated 150 feet above the 

i: river. The adjacent country is populous and well cultivated, and 

i produces large crops of cotton. Natchez is the centre of trade fir 
the western towns of the state. Pop. 2,800. Jackson, the seat of 

government, is a new town on Pearl river. Elliot, on the Yalo 
Busha, is a missionary station among the Choctaws. 

42. STATE OF LOUISIANA. 

Map of the United Slater, and Map of the Southey-n States. Whicli is the most southern 
of the United States? How is Louisiana bounded? Let the pupil tell the bonndanes and 
names of the coxinties. In wliat direction is it from Virginia? Pennsylvania^ Delaware^ 
IMassachnsetts? V'ermont? 

Whal is tlie capital? Where is New Orleans? Direction from Washington? Trenton? 
Philadelphia? Charleston? Savannah? Poston? ' From you? Where is Natchitoches? 
Baton Rouge? Madisonville? Fraiitilin? Alexandria? Descril)e the Mississippi river; Red 
river; Washitta: Sabine; Bayo La Poiirche; Bayo La Alchafalaya; Iberville; Pearl; 
Amite; Mennentau; Teche; Vermillion; Calcasiu, What lakes in Louisiana? Tell the 
direction of each from New Orleans? What bays in Louisiana? 

43. LOUISIANA, continued. 

The face of the country, along the southern border of this state, 

Wiiat is the chief production? To what other products is the soil adapted? Describe the 
picinre. 

What of colleges in Mississippi? What appropriation for roads and canals? What of 
Natches? Jackson? Elliot? 

43. VVhat of the face of the country along the southern part of Louisiana^ 























56 


LOUISIANA. 


is level, and consists of marshes and low prairie land, intersected by 
numerous bays and rivers. Around the mouth of the Mississippi, 
it is a continued swamp, destitute of trees, and covered Avith reeds. 
The northwest part is moderately hilly. The cultivated lands lie 
along the banks of the rivers, and are exceedingly fertile. Cotton, 
rice and sugar, are the chief productions. The river Mississippi 
occasionally overflows its banks, and inundates the country to a 
considerable extent. The following picture represents one of these 
scenes. 



There is a Catholic college in New Orleans, and several acade¬ 
mies are established in the state. 

New Orleans, the capital, and largest town in the state, occupies 
an island, formed by the Misslssip})i on one side, and by the Iber¬ 
ville river, and lakes Maurijias and Pontchartrain, on the other. 
It is 100 miles from the mouth of the Mississippi. Its advantages 
for commerce are, perhaps, unrivalled. The Mississippi, one of the 
most magnificent of rivers, stretches its branches over the most 
fertile valley on the face of the earth. The waters, which are 
gathered from the surface of this vast basin, waft the productions 
of various fruitful and favored climes to this market. 

As the po])ulation of these regions increases, this city must also 
increase, and it is easy to predict, that, notwithstanding its un¬ 
healthiness, it is destined to become, at a future day, one of the 
first commercial places in the Avorld. Pop. 46,300. 

Natchitoches, on the Red river, is the largest tOAvn Avest of the 

Uy wliat is tlu- coast iiitersecti'il? AVliat of the country about the mouths of the Mississippi.*' 
What of the northwestern part of Louisiana.^ AV'hat of the land along the borders of the riv¬ 
er? in Louisiana? AVhat of the inundations of the Mississippi? Itescribe the picture. 

AA'hal college in Louisiana? AA^iiat of academies in this state? On wh.at is New Orleaiui 
situateil? flow is the island, on wliich New Orleans is built, formed? AVhat of the advan¬ 
tage's of New Orleruis for trade? AA'^hy are the advantages of New Orleans for trade so gi'eaV^ 

%Vhat may we predict of tht fiuture slate ol New Orleans'* AVhat of Natcliitoches'* 
























SOUTHERN STATES 


57 


Mississippi. Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and St. Francisville, are 
! the other considerable towns. 

’1 

[I 44. THE SOUTHERN STATES. 

j‘ What eiejht states are called the Southern States? Wliat eleven principal rivers in Ihe 
Southern States? W'hat of the Potomac? .Tames? Roanoke? Pedee? Santee? Savannah^ 
j Alatamaha? Apnalachicola? Alabama? Tombighee? Mississippi? In what ran<>-e of 
j mountains do all these rivers rise, except the Tombigbee and Mississippi? Tell the capitals 
ol the eight Southern States, with the direction of each from Washington? What district, 
lot a state, within the boundaries of the Southern States? 

45. SOUTHERN STATES, continued. 

The tract of country in the Southern States bordering on the At¬ 
lantic, is a low, sandy plain, from 50 to 100 miles in width, and, in 
general, is covered with pine forests. Beyond this, toward the Al- 
leghanies, the country becomes elevated and hilly, and then mouip- 
tainous. Those portions of Alabama, Mississij)pi, and Louisian^, 
which border on the gulf of Mexico, are low and level. In the in- 
' terror, they are diversified, and in parts mountainous. The low 
countries, in all the Southern States, are barren, except on the 
borders of rivers, where the soil is very fertile. Much of the inte¬ 
rior, or upland country, is also fertile. 

I'he climate of the Southern States varies considerably in the 
I different jrarts. In Maryland, and the northern parts of Virginia, 
snow is common in winter, but not sufficient for sleighing. The 
: streams and rivers are sometimes frozen over, but navigation is in¬ 
i' terrupted for a short time only. In summer here, the heat is not 
: extreme. In the ujiland country, generally, throughout the South- 
i ern States, the climate is milu in winter, and cool and healthful in 
summer. In the low countries, south of Virginia, it is oppressively 
hot in summer, and unhealthy, particularly to strangers. As far 
south as Savannah, a fall of snow is exceedingly rare, and very thin 
ice upon the rivers is only produced by the severest winters. Or- 
i anges and figs grow in abundance here. 

Wheat, tobacco, and Indian corn, are the staple products of the 
northern; cotton, rice, and sugar, of the southern parts of these 
states. In the low countries of the Carolinas, pitch-j)ine grows in 
great perfection, and tar, pitch, anti turpentine, are the staple pro¬ 
ducts of these districts. 

The commerce of the Southern States is not extensive; the 
amount of shijiping owned by them is very small. Their tobacco, 
cotton, and other productions, are for the most part exported in 
northern vessels. The manufactures of the Southern States amount 
to almost nothing. Agriculture is nearly the sole occupation. 

\ Alexandria? Baton Rouge? St. Francisville? 

45. Describe the lace of the country in (he Southern States that border on the Atlantic, 
in those that border on the gulf of Mexico. The soil in the low country; in (he ujiland 
country. What of climate in Maryland and Virginia? in the upland country of the Southern 
States? in the low countries? at Savannah? What fruit is produced at Savannah ?, 

What of the products of the Southern Slates^ Commerce? Manufactures? Agncultur*? 









58 


SOUTHERN STATES 


The Southern States are divided into counties, but are not sub¬ 
divided into townships like the Northern States. More than one- 
third of the whole j)Oj)ulation consists of Negro slaves. These 
slaves perform the greatest part of the labor in the low countries, 
and are owned by white masters. They are bought, sold, and 
transferred from one })roprietor to another, in the same manner as 
other property. Slaves are often sold at public auction; and in the 
southern cities, large numbers of negro men, women, and children, 
may be seen in the streets publicly exposed for sale. Slavery is 
authorized by law in all the Southern States, but not in the Middle, 
Eastern, an 1 some of the Western States. One of the most com¬ 
mon distinctions between the several states, in our country, is that 
of the slave-holding, and non-slave-holding states. 



The preceding cut represents some of the characteristics of the 
Southern States. The man on horseback with the hounds, shows 
that hunting is one of their diversions; the negroes tilling the 
ground, show that they are slave-holding states; and in the 'back¬ 
ground, is represented a flat country. 

The tobacco, cotton, rice, and sugar lands, of the Southern 
States, are generally held by planters, many of whom are wealthy, 
and possess large tracts, usually containing several hundred acres^, 
called plantations. These are cultivated by their slaves. Their 
habits of authority are perhaps too visible in the manners of the 
southern jilanters, but they possess a high sense of honor, great 
hospitality, and a manly independence of thought and conduct. 
There is great unison of feeling between the people of the Southern 
States, on most jiublic questions, and the case is rare in which they 
do not act together. 

How are ilie Soulliern Stales divided? What portion of the population are slaves? What of 

these slaves? What may he seen in the southern cities? Where is slavery authorized by 
VVtiere not authorized? ^Vllat common ilistinction between the slates? Describe the picture 

What ol tile sugar, rice, and cotton lands? AVhat of ti^e planters? Their character ? Ar» 
the voutherii people often divided ainoug themselves? 









TENNESSEE 


59 


The first settlement in the United States was made in Virginia, 

I n 1607, 13 years before the arrival of the pilo^rims at Plymouth. 
'The colony, consisting of a small band of English people., establish- 
, I ed themselves at Jamestown, on James river. Accessions continued 
j (to arrive from England, and tlie seltlernenl soon became powerful, 
j 'The character of the settlers was very different from that of the 
, Puritans. The latter were a set of stern, grave men, who fled from 
persecution to enjoy a free worship in the wilderness. The former 
’ consisted, for the most part, of adventurers belonging to the higher 
clasvses in England, who came to America to im])rove their fortunes. 
I Maryland was settled by English Catholics in 1634. North 
j Carolina was settled by the English in 1663; and vSouth Carolina 
sev'en years afterwards. Georgia was not settled till 1733, when an 
English colony established them'selves at Savannah. Alabama was 
first settled about 1783, by the French. It has since been one of 
the territories of the United States, and in 1819 it became one of the 
United States. As early as 1716, Mississippi was settled by the 
i French. It became a state in 1817. Louisiana began to be settled 
jj by the French in 1699. It is part of a vast territory purchased of 
j| France by the United States in 1803. It became a state in 1811. 

46. STATE OF TENNESSEE. 

Miip of the United States, and Map of the Southern Slates. Boiirifluries? In what flirec- 
tion Irom New England? South Carolina? Georgia? Massachu^tlls? New Hampshire? 
Tcil the names and boundaries of the counties. M'hat is the capital of Tennessee? Where 
is Nashville? Direction from Washington? New York? Charleston? New Orleans? Bos¬ 
ton? Savannah? From you? Where is Murfreeshorough? Knoxville? IMemphis? Green¬ 
ville? Brainerd? Desrrif)e the Cumherland river; Tennessee; Ilolston; Clinch; French- 
Broad; Hiwassee; Duck; Mississippi; Big Hatchee; Forked Deer; Obion; Wolf; 
Powells. What tribes of Indians in this state? What mountains in Tennessee? 

47. TENNESSEE, continued. 

The Cumberland mountains divide this state into East and West 
Tennessee. There are 52 counties, 30 being in West Tennessee, 
and 22 in East Tennessee. The latter ftortion of the state is j^artly 
hilly, and partly mountainous, presenting grand and jticturesque 
scenery; the western part is level. The valleys in East Tennessee, 
and considerable portions of West Tennessee, are very fertile. The 
climate of this state is mild, healthy, and agreeable. Slavery is 
here authorized by law. 

The Chickasaw tribe of Indians occupy the western j)art of this 
state, between the rivers Mississippi and Tennessee. The Chero- 
kees inhabit a large tract, near the southeast j)art, on both sides of 
the Hiwassee. These tribes are said to have made considerable 


What of the settlement of Virginia? Maryland '* North Carolina? South Carolina? Geor 
gia? What of Alabama? Mississippi? Louisiana? 

47. What mountains divide the state into East and West Tennessee^ How many counties 
in this state? How many in IZast Tennessee? West Tennessee? The f»-e of the country in 
East Tennessee? In West Tennessee? What of the climate in Tennessee? What of slavery’ 
What of the Chickasaw Indians’ Of the Oherokees’ What is said of these Gibes as to civB 









60 


KENTUCKY 


advances in civilisation. They own sheep, cows, mills, &c. There 
is a nns:^onarv station at Brainerd. The following’ picture exhibits 
a missionary preaching to the Indians. 



Greenville College is the leading seminary in the state. • Several 
other colleges have been incorporated. 

Nashville, situated on the Cumberland river, surrounded by a 
populous and fruitful country, is the largest town in the state. It 
is also the seat ol’ government, and has a seminary of high reputa¬ 
tion called the Nashville University. It supports an extensive 
steam-boat navigation. Pop. 5,600. Knoxville, the most consid¬ 
erable place in East Tennessee, is pleasantly situated on the Hol- 
ston. Pop. 2,000. Murfreesborough is a flourishing town, and, 
until 1826, was the seat of government. Memphis is a growing 
place. 

48. STATE OF KENTUCKY. 

Map of the United States, and Map of the Western States. Boundaries? Tell the names 
and hnundnrks of the counties. Wliat is tiie capital of Kentucky? Where is Frankfort? 
In wliich direction from Washington? Boston? New York? Tuscaloosa? Savannah? 
Pliiladelphia? New Orleans? From you? Where is Lexington? Louisville? Russellville? 
Maysville? Washington^ Bardstown? Paris? Danville? Newport? Winchester? Hop¬ 
kinsville? Describe the Ohio; Mississippi; Tennessee; Cumberland; Kentucky; Green; 
Licking; Sandy. What canal in Kentucky? 

49. KENTUCKY, continued. 

This state is divided into 75 counties. The face of the country, 
in the eastern ])art, is mountainous; along the Ohio, it is hilly; the 
rest of the state is level or undulating. The middle portions'of the 
state are exceedingly fertile. The climate is mild and healthy. 
There are salt springs in this state, from which a siipiily of salt is 

isation? AVIiat missionary station in Tennessee? Describe (he picture. What of colleges? 
What of Nashville? Knoxville? Murfreesborough? Memphis? 

49. How many counties in Keutuckyi* What of the face of the country' What springs in 
thti state? 
























OHIO. 


61 


manufactured, not only for Kentucky, but for part of Ohio and 
Tennessee. Tobacco, wheat, and Indian corn, are the principal 
products of the soil. Slavery is authorized in this state. 

In Warren county is Mammoth cave. It has been explored to 
the distance of 16 miles, and contain; many passages and apart¬ 
ments; one of the latter com))rises a surface ol‘ 8 acres, without a 
single pillar to support the arch, which is'about 100 feet in height. 
In some parts of the cave are the most brilliant si)ecimens of sj)ar, 
60 feet in length. The following engraving represents an apart¬ 
ment in this cave. 



Transylvania University is a flourishing establishment, to which 
a law and a medical school are attached. Beside this, there are the 
follov/ing, among other seminaries. Georgetown college, Danville 
college, S't. Joseph’s college, and Cumberland college. 

Frankfort, the seat of government, js situated on Kentucky river. 
Pop. 1,700. Lexington, the second town in the state, is the most 
considerable manufacturing place in Kentucky. A rail-road is now 
constructing from this town to Louisville. The surrounding coun¬ 
try is celebrated for its fertility and beauty. Pop. 6,100. Louisville, 
situated at the rapids of-the Ohio, is the largest town in the state, 
and has an extensive trade. Pop. 10,400. 

50. STATE OF OHIO. 

Map of the Unw ed States, and Map of the Western States. Let the pupil tell the name 
of each county and county town. Boundaries? Direction from Connecticut? South Caro¬ 
lina? Vermont? New Jersey? Delaware? Georgia? Louisiana? Tennessee? What is 
the capital? Where is Cincinnati? In what direction from Washington? New York? New 
Orleans? Charleston? Savannah? Tinraloosa'’ Millediceville? From vou? -o ij 

Chillicothe? Columbus? Marietta? Zanesville? Steubenville.^ Athens? Cleveland 
Ashtabula? Painsville? Kenyon College? Maumee? Describe the Ohio; Muskingum; 
llockhocking; Sciota; Great Miami; Little Miami; Sandusky; Cayahoga; Maumee. 
Describe the Ohio canal. Miami canal. 


What states do these springs supply with salt? What are the [iroductions? AVhaf of slave¬ 
ry? Describe .Mammoth cave. Describe the picture. What of Transvlvauia University* 
OUiei Seminal les? WTiat of Frankfort? Wind of Lcximrtou? Loui.iville? 

6 





















62 


OHIO 


51. OHIO, CONTINUED. 

Ohio is divided into 72 counties. The southern part of the state 
IS hilly; the rest is generally level. The soil is fertile. Thesta])le 
production is wheat. The principal exports are flour, pork and 
tobacco, which chiefly pass down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers 
to New Orleans, and thence are shipped to the Atlantic states, or 
to foreign ports. A part of the produce reaches New York by way 
of lake Erie, and the Erie canal. The country is supplied with for¬ 
eign goods by way of the Erie canal, by transportation across the 
country from Baltimore and Philadcli)hia, and by the steam-boats 
which take them up the Mississippi from New Orleans. The inter¬ 
course by means of steam-boats with New Orleans, is great. The 
quantities of produce sent to that port are immense. 

The Ohio state canal, which is 307 miles ki length, extends from 
the mouth of the Scioto to Cleveland, and connects the waters of 
lake Erie and the Ohio river. It will have the effect to direct a 
great deal of trade to New York, by way of the Erie Canal. The 
Miami canal extends from Cincinnati to Dayton 63 miles, and it is 
proposed to continue it to Maumee. 

The Ohio University at Athens, Cincinnati College at Cincinnati, 
and Kenyon College in Knox county, are the luincipa! seminaries, 

Columbus, the seat of gova'rnment, laid out in 1812, is situated 
on the Scioto, in a central part of the state. Pop. 2,500, Cincin¬ 
nati, the largest town in the Western States, is jileasantly situated 
on the Ohio river. It is regularly laid out, and handsomely built 
of brick. It has an extensive trade and considerable manufactures, 



and may be regarded as one of the most flourishing' cities in the 
United States. Pop, 28,000. 

51. How many counties in Oliio.^ What of the face of the coiinlrv? Tlic soil.^ Staple 
productions? Principal exports? How does the produce of tliis state find a market? How 
are the people sinij^lied with foreis;n goods? Describe the picturp. What canal in tliii stated 
Describe the Ohio‘state canal. Wbat colleges in Ohio' Wliat of Coltimbus' 

























INDIANA. 


63 


Chillicothe is a large town, and has extensive trade and manufac¬ 
tures. vSteiibenviUe and Zanesville have also considerable manufac¬ 
tures. Dayton is a very jdeasant town, with extensive manufac¬ 
tures. 

52. STATE OF INDIANA. 

Map of the United States, and Map of the IVestern States. Boundaries? Direction from 
Massaehuselts? Comierticut? Alabama? Pennsvlvaiiia? Soutli Carolina? Kciituckv? 
Louisiana? Oeorgia? 'Pell the names and boundaries of the covntits. Wliat is the capital? 
Where is Indianapolis? Direction from Washington? NewYoik? Boston? Savannah? New 
Orleans? Milledgeville? Cincinnati? Frotu you? Where is Vincennes? Madison? Ve- 
vay? Corydon? New Harmony? Jeftrrsonville? What of the Ohio? Wabash? White 
river? Blue river? White water? Tippecanoe? Illinois? St. Joseph’s? What canal is 
proposed in Indiana? 


53. INDIANA, continued. 

The northern portion of this state is in possession of the Indians. 
The part occujiied by the whites is divided into 52 counties. The 
face of the country near the Ohio is hilly. Toward the north it 
is level, and abounds in prairies, which are vast plains destitute of 
trees, and covered with coarse grass. Tlie soil is generally fertile, 
and repays cultivation with abundant crops of grain. The grape¬ 
vine is successfully cultivated by Swiss s.'ttlers near Vevay. The 
picture rejiresents these people cultivating their vineyards. 



Indianapolis, situated near the centre of’the state, is the seat of 
government. Vincennes is one of the oldest towns, and has a 
considerable trade. Pop. 1,800. Madison Is a flourishing place. 
Vevay, settled by Swiss, has vineyards, which annually yield about 
8000 gallons of wine. 

■What of Chillicothe^ Sleubenville? Zanesville? 

53. What people occupy the noitheni |)art of Indiana? By whom is the southern part 
occupied? Into how many counties is the southern part divided? Face of the country ? Soil? 
FroJuctious? Describe the picture. What oi'Indianapolis? Vincennes? Madison? Yevay^ 



























64 


ILLINOIS. 


54. STATE OF ILLINOIS. 

]\lap of tht Untied States^ and Map of the Western Stales. Boundaries? Direclion from 
Pennsylvania? Mississippi? South Carolina? Massachusetts? Rliode Island? Tennessee? 
Louisiana? Tell the names and boundaries of the rounties. What is the capital? Wliere is 
Vandalia? Direction from Wa.shin:;lon? New York? Charleston? New Orleans? Lexing¬ 
ton? Cincinnati? From you? Where is Kaskaskia? Cahokia? Shawneetown? Browns¬ 
ville? Albion? What of tlie Mississippi? Ohio? Great Wabash? Illinois? Kaskaskia? Al¬ 
ton? Rock Spring? St. Clair? Fox? Chigago? Callemack? What canal is proposed in 
Illinois? Little Wabash? Sangamon? Rock river? 

55. ILLINOIS, CONTINUED. 

The nortliern part of this state is occupied by Indians; the 
southern part,, inhabited by whites, is divided into counties. The 
surface of the country is flat, abounding in rich prairies. The soil 
is generally fertile, particularly along the margins of the rivers, 
producing luxuriant crops of Indian corn, which is the staple pro¬ 
duction. 

About 12 miles from Shawneetown, there are salt springs, where 
the government of the United States have manufactories, produc¬ 
ing from two to three hundred thousand bushels of salt annually. 
Coal is found in great abundance; lead and iron are also found. 
On the banks of the Ohio and Illinois, are lofty, picturesque cliffs, 
in which there are caverns, one of Avhich was formerly the rendez¬ 
vous of a band of robbers. The picture presents a view of this spot. 



A portion of land, in every town in this state, is devoted to the 
support of schools, and the legislature has made provision for the 
establishment of a college. 

Vandalia, the seat of government, is a flourishing town, situated 
on the Kaskaskia. Kaskaskia, Alton, Ed wardsville, Shawneetown, 
Brownsville, and Albion, are the other considerable places. 


•55. By whom is the northern part of Illinois occupied? By whom the southern part? 
What of the face of the country in Illinois? Tlie soil? Stajjle production? What salt springs 
in Illinois? What minerals? What cliiTs.^ Describe the picture. What provuiou for 
icliools^ For a college? What of Vandalia? What are the principal towns’ 


















I\H S S U a R1. 


65 


56. STATE OF MISSOURI. 

Map of the United Slates^ and Map of the Western iStutes. Boundaries? Till the names 
and boundaries of the counties. Direr.lion From Louisiana? Virijinia? Massachusells? Ver¬ 
mont? Delaware? Pennsylvania? Indiana? Louisiana? IVlississi])})!? Wliat is the capital? 
Where is Jert’crson? Direciion from Washington? Trenton? Boston? Philadelphia? Sa¬ 
vannah? New Orleans? Natchez? Lexington? Indianapolis? From you? Where is St. 
Charles? Franklin? St. Genevieve? Herculaneum? Potosi? St. Michael? What of tlie 
M ississippi? Missouri? Gasconade? Salt? Currant? Des Moines? Osage? Chariton^ 
Grande? Salt? Merrimack? St. Francis? What mountains in Missouri? 

57. MISSOURI, CONTINUED. 

This state is divided into 2S counties. The face of the country 
is diversified with hills, plains and prairies. Along- the rivers there 
are extensive fertile tracts; these, however, are low, and subject+o 
inundation. At a distance from the rivers, the soil is barren. The 
productions are hemp, flax and Indian corn. Slavery is authorized 
in this state. 

The lead mines of Missouri are situated near the river Merri¬ 
mack, in the neighborhood of Potosi, 40 miles west of the Missis¬ 
sippi. They are the richest in the world, and occujiy a district of 
300 square miles. There are 45 mines, which employ more than 
1,000 persons, and jiroduce annually from 15 to 20 million pounds 
of' lead. The engraving exhibits a view among these mines. 



Provisions for education, similar to those in Illinois, have been 
made in this state. 

Jelfer-son, the seat of government, is on the Missouri, and was 
laid out in 1822. St. Louis, the largest town in the state, is built 
near the junction of the three great rivers, Missi-ssippi, Missouri 
and Illinois. It is very favorably situated for trade, and is a flour¬ 
ishing town. 

57. How many couiifies in Missouri? What of the face of the rountiy? The soil? Pro¬ 
ductions? What" of slavery? Whore .are the lead mines of Missouri? What is the annual 
amount of fend'proiluced from these mines? Describe ihe picture. What provisions for edu¬ 
cation in Uiis siale^ Whai ol Jcllerson^ St. Louis* 

6 * 




















66 


WESTERN STATES. 


A good many hunting and trapping parties are fitted out at this 
place, who traverse the territories of Missouri and Oregon in quest 
of the skins of' wild animals. Trading parties also proceed from 
St. Louis, and visit the western tribes of Indians for the purpose 
of obtaining peltry. It is now common for the hunters and traders 
to cross the Rocky mountains, and proceed to the borders of the 
Pacific Ocean. 

There is a considerable trade carried on from St. Louis and other 
towns in the Western States with Santa Fe in the northwestern 
part of Mexico. The traders form caravans of' several hundred 
persons and many horses and wagons. They cany various arti¬ 
cles of merchandise, and being frequently attacked by the Indians, 
defend themselves with their rifles. Pop. of St. Louis, 5900. 

Potosi and St. Michael’s are the chief towns in the mining district. 

5S. THE WESTERN STATES. 

Map of the United States. Which are Ihe six Western States? What are the four princi¬ 
pal rivers in these slates? Descrihe the Ohio; Tennessee; Cmnherland; Illinois. Whal 
ai e the- capitals of the six Western States, rvith the direction of each from Washington? 


59. WESTERN STATES, continued. 

A considerable portion of the country in the Western States, 
west of the Oliio and Mississippi, consists of prairies, some of them 
containing but few acres, others spreading out to a vast extent. 
The face of the country in Tennessee and Kentucky is much di¬ 
versified. The soil in the Western States is generally productive. 

The climate is pleasant and healthful, being less subject to 
changes than in the same parallels of latitude between the Alle¬ 
ghany mountains and the Atlantic. At St. Louis, the Mississippi is 
sometimes frozen over, so that persons cross it on the ice. The 
steam-boats arc stopjied on this river, from two to three months in 
the year, during winter. 

The productions of this region are various and abundant. Cot¬ 
ton and tobacco are jiroduced in the southern portions. Wheat, 
Indian corn, rice, hemp, oats and barley, are extensively cultivated 
in other parts. Cattle are raised in great numbers, and pork is a 
leading article of attention in some districts. The swine are easily 
raised in the woods and prairies. 

There is considerable intercourse between these states and New 
York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. A part of the produce reaches 
New York by way of the Ohio and Erie canals. By the same 
route foreign goods are returned. Large amounts of foreign goods 


What of the hunting and trapping parties? What of the Santa Fe traders? Potosi? St. 
lUichael’s? 

59. Face of the country in the Western Stales? Soil? Climate? What of the ]Mis.sh;sippi 
at St. Louis? Steam-boats in the Mississippi during winter? Productions? Describe the ii* 
tercourse between these states and New York, Philadelphia and baltimore. 



WESTERN STATES 


G7 


are also transported across the country from New York, Phila- 
(!el])hia, and Baltimore, to the Ohio, and thence distributed to their 
various destinations over tlie country. But the greater part of the 
trade is carried on by way of New Orleans. The quantities of 



!>rodure, of various kinds, sent down the Mississippi, is prodigious. 
The preceding picture represents a flat boat, or what is called an 
arh, k'atled with live stock and produce, with several steam-boats, 
from these states, arriving at New Orleans. Slavery is authorized 
Iw law ill all these states, except in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. 

"a great part of the country has been recently settled, but the 
cheapness ol’land, the fertility of the soil, and the general character 
of the climate, are causing a tide of emigration to flow in, which 
is filling up the country with population, with almost unexampled 
rapidity. 

Notwithstanding the great inducement to agriculture, the people 
of the Western States are not neglecting manufactures. There 
are flourishing establishments at Lexington, Maysville, Steuben¬ 
ville and Cincinnati. The woollen cloths of the latter place are 
equal to any manufactured in the United States. 

Tennessee was originallji" a part of North Carolina; it was set¬ 
tled in 1765, and became a state in 1796. Kentucky belonged 
originally to Virginia; it was settled in 1775, by the celebrated 
Col. Boone, and in 1792 it became a state. Ohio was first settled 
in 1788; it became a state in 1805. Indiana became a state in 
1816. Illinois was settled by the French many years since. It 
became a state in 1818. Missouri began to be settled about 1763, 
and became a state in 1819. 


Ho«- is liia greater part of the trade carried on? Describe the picture. What of slavery? 
Wlial of the bi-ttleincnts of the AVestern States? Of emigration to tnem? Manufacture*? 
What of Tennessee? Kentucky? Ohio? Indiana? Illinois^ Mbsouri' 

























NORTH-WEST TERRITORY. 


G8 


MICHIGAN TERRITORY. 

Map of the United Stales, and Map of the Western States, Boundaries? Direction from 
Georgia? Virginia? New York? Vermont? New Hampshire? Massachusetls? Connec¬ 
ticut? Louisiana? Missouri? What Ls the capital? Where is Detroit? Direction from 
Washington? Boston? Hartford? New Orleans? Tuscaloosa? Trenton? From you? 
Where is Brownstown? Carey? Wliat of the straits, or river Michillimackinac? St. Clair? 
Detroit? Saganaw? Grand river? St. Joseph? Huron? Raisin? 

61. MICHIGAN TERRITORY, continued. 

A considerable part of this territory is occupied by various tribes 
of Indians. The country is generally level, or moderately uneven. 
The soil is very fertile, except on the border of lake Michigan, 
where it is sandy and barren. The emigration to this territory is 
now great, and the country is rapidly filling up with inhabitants. 

Detroit, the chief town, is beautifully situated on Detroit river, 
and has considerable share in the fur trade, carried on by diflerent 
companies, with the Indians and others, in the north-western regions 



of North America. Several of the towns are very thriving. The 
preceding picture represents the natives dis])Osing of their furs to 
the traders. 


62. NORTH-WEST TERRITORY. 

Map of the United Stales. Boundaries? Direction from Maine? Missis'<ippi'* Mary¬ 
land? Tennessee? New England? Louisiana? What of the Mississippi river? Ouiscon- 
siii? Fox? Chippeway? Coppermine? Rocky? Montreal? St. Louis? St. Croix? 

63. NORTH-WEST TERRITORY, continued. 

This territory is chiefly inhabited by Indians, and has been but 
little explored. Of the few settlements that have been made by 

61. What of the Indians in Michigan Territory? Face of the country? Soil? What c>f 
Detroit? Describe the picture. 

63. By whom is the Northwest Territory chiefly inhkhited? What settlements in this ter 
ritdry ? 

























ARKANSAS TERRITORY 69 

Whites, those at the head of Green bay, and Prairie du Chien, 
are the principal. 

Tlie face of the country bordering- on lake Superior is rough and 
mountainous; but the country is for the most part moderately 
uneven, or consists of prairies. This territory abounds in copper, 
leatl, iron, and other metals. 

64. ARKANSAS TERRITORY.. • 

M:ip of Ihe United States, and Map of the Southei-n Stales. Boundaries? Direction from 
New York? North Carolina? Louisiana? New Englaiul? What is the capital? Where is 
Little Hock? Direction from Washins'ton? Boston? Philadelphia? Savannah? New Or- 
l ans? From vou? Where is Dwi^lit? Arkai\sa3? Arkonolis? What of the Arkansas? 
Mississippi? Red river? White? Saline? St. Francis? Washitta? What mountains in 
this tcn-iiory? In what direction do the ranges run? V\ hat [>art of tlie territory do they oc- 
cupy? 

65. ARKANSAS- TERRITORY, continued. 

Nearly the whole of this country is occupied by the Indians. 
For the sj)ac-e of about 150 miles west of the Mississipj)i, the land 
is level: it then becomes rocky and broken, and al’terwards moun¬ 
tainous. Beyond the Ozark mountains, the land is elevated, and a 
considerable portion of it santly and barren. There are extensive 
prairies, some of them abounding in wild horses, and vast herds of 
bisons. The hunting- grounds of the Indians are filled with deer, 
elk, bears, wolves, cougars, and other wild animals. The en¬ 
graving represents the Indians killing buH’aloes. 



The land on the rivers is generally fertile, and adajited to the 
growth of cotton. The borders of the White river afford some 
of the best land in the United States. 

Wliat of the face of the country? What of minerals? 

65. By whom is the principal part of Arkansas territory inhabited? What of the face of the 
country east of the Ozark mountains? West of the Ozark mountains? What animals abound 
10 this territory^ Dcicribe the picture. What of.tke soil? 












70 


MISSOURI TERRITORY. 


The hot spring’s in this territory, 150 miles northwest of the 
Arkansas, are about 70 in number, and are found useful in various 
diseases. At some seasons, they are sufficiently heated to boil an 
eg-g- in a few minutes. A considerable distance up the Arkansas 
river, there is a prairie of several miles in extent, covered with 
white salt to the depth of five or six inches. There are also 
several salt springs. Little Rock is the seat of government. Ar- 
kopolis is pleasantly situated on the Arkansas, and there are several 
other thriving towns. Dwight is a missionary station among the 
Cherokees. 


66. MISSOURI TERRITORY. 

Map of the United States. Boundaries? Direrlion from New England? Pennsylvania? 
Georgia? Ohio? New Jersey? Virginia? What of the Missouri river? Yellow Slone^ 
Platte? Kansas? What range of mountains in the western border of this territory? 


67. MISSOURI TERRITORY, continued. 

This immense tract of land is chiefly inhabited by Indians; the 
United States having no other settlements than military posts at 
St. Peter’s river and Council Blufls. Occasional bands of white 
hunters and trappers range this country for furs. Some of them 
extend their expeditions to the foot of the Rocky mountains, and 
even to the shores of the Pacific, and obtain vast numbers of bisons’ 
skins, which are sold under the name ol’ buffalo robes. They 
also procure great quantities of furs. These parties are sometimes 
attacked and cut ofl’ by the Indians. 

The eastern parts of this immense territory are either level, or 
^oderately hilly. The central and western parts are elevated and 
mountainous. The latter portion of the country is destitute of 
timber and vegetation, and, excepting the borders of rivers, pre¬ 
sents an immense barren wilderness. The eastern and south¬ 
eastern portions are fertile, and the land lying along the rivers is 
generally of a good quality. 

The Rocky mountains, which form the western boundary of this 
territory, are the loftiest range of mountains within the limits of 
the United States.' They rise suddenly from the ])lains to the pro¬ 
digious elevation of 11,000 to 12,000 feet, their peaks being covered 
with perpetual snow. The grisly bear, which is by far the most 
formidable wild animal in the United States, is an inhabitant of 
these mountains. The herds of buffaloes that are seen in this 
territory sometimes amount to 10,000 each. When the herd is 
moving, the ground trembles for a considerable distance, and the 
grumbling and bellowing of the multitude is heard for miles. 

Wliat of the hot springs in Arkansas Territory? Salt springs? Salt prairie? What of 
Little Itor.k? Arkopolis? Dwight? 

ti7. [low is tins Icrritorv rhiefly inliahiteiD What military stations have the United State* 
in Missouri Territory? What of the hunters and trappers? What of the face of the country? 
Tlie soil? Describe, the Hocky tnountaius. What wild animal in the Rocky mountaiiuf 
VV'hat of the herds of bullaloes^ 



OREGON TERRITORY 


71 


The ^reat falls of the Missouri present a spectacle of uncommon 
grandeur. They consist of a succession of cataracts, the whole 
I descent being 350 feet. In one instance, the entire body of the 
river falls in a per})endicular sheet to the depth ol' 87 feet. The 
place where the Missouri passes from the mountains, called the 
Gates of the Rocky mountains, displays a stu})endous work of 
nature. The river is compressed to the width of 450 feet, between 
perpendicular rocks, 1200 feet in height} for three miles, there is 
I but one spot where a man can find footing, between the water and 
I the mountainous precipices. 

1 About 100 miles below the great falls on the Missouri, there are 
I immense piles of rock, 300 feet in height, jiresenting the appearance 
of an artificial wall. They are nearly perpendicular, an 1 the be¬ 
holder can discern amid the various forms which they exhibit, the 
i shapes of ruined castles and other edifices. 

Near the foot of the Rocky mountains are lofty elevations, with 
( nearly perpendicular sides, and level summits. One of these 
( mounds, called Castle Rock, presents a striking resemblance to an 
( edifice with arches, columns, and porticoes. 

j The picture exhibits this rock in the middle-ground; in the back¬ 



ground are the Rocky mountains; in the foreground is a grisly beat 
on the jioint of being attacked by hunters. 

68. OREGON TERRITORY. 

Map of United States. Iloundarips? I)ir<‘ction from New England? Louisiana? 
Nortliwestern Territory? Alabama? (reorgia? Where is Asloria? Direction from Washing¬ 
ton? lloslon? Pittsburc? Annapolis? Charleston? Savannah? New Orleans? Jbroin 
you? Wliat of the Columbia river? Multnomah? Lewis’s? Clark’s? 


Describe the great falls of (he Missouri; (he Gates of the Pocky mountains. What curiosity 
100 mile* bi.dow the great falls of the Missouri? What singular elovatioiM near the Rocky 
mountains’ he.scii’ne the pictrne. 













72 


FLORIDA. 


69. OREGON TERRITORY, continued. 

This vast legion is yet in possession of the Indians, and is very 
imjjerfectly known. It is rejnesented as possessing a milder climate 
than similar latitudes on the Atlantic. The banks ol'the Columbia 
river are said to be fertile, covered with heavy forests, and with fir- 
trees sometimes growing to the height of 200 feet. Toward the 
Rocky mountains, the country is described as elevated, mountainous 
and barren. 

There is an American settlement on the Columbia river, 18 miles 
-from its mouth, called Astoria, established to promote the fur trade. 
The engraving exhibits some of the inhabitants looking with anxie¬ 



ty at a vessel upon the waters of the Pacific ocean, and endeavor¬ 
ing to hail her, in the hopes of obtaining news from their liiends 
living in the Atlantic States. It is now common for the hunters 
and traders to cross the Rocky mountains to this territory. 

70. FLORIDA. 

Map of the United States, and Map of the Southern States. Boiindariea? Dircctioi 
from Ohio? New England? Massachusetts? Missouri? New Jersey? Ahihania? Wha* 
is the capital? Where is Tallahassee? Direction from Washington? New York? Boston? 
Savannah? Jackson? Astoria? Detroit? Little Rock? W'here is Pensacola? St. Aui;u.4 
tine? St. Mark’s? What of St. John’s river? Appalachicola? St. Mai’k’s? Sinvaiu-e’ 
Conecuh? Perdido? Escambia? St. Mary’s? Ochlockonne? Where is Amelia 1. ? What 
canal is pro])osed in Florida? 


71. FLORIDA , CONTINUED 

Florida resembles the low country of the Southern S.tates; 'the 

69. What people are yet in possession of Oregon Territory? t^Jiat of the cliniale of Or 
egon Territory? What of tlie country along the banks of the Columbia ii\er? Fare o( the 
country in (he eastern parts? What American settlement it OreKon Terriluiy^ Describe the 
picture. ~ y 

71. What doe.s the country ot Florida resemble^ ' 


















TERRITORIES 


73 


surface being moderately uneven and barren, except along the banks 
of rivers and lakes, where it is very fertile. But a small portion of 
the country is under cultivation, it is adapted to cotton, sugar, rice, 
indigo, oranges, olives and figs. It is remarkable for the richness 
and beauty of its llowering slirubs, and the height and grandeur of 
its forest trees. The live oak, which is of great value in ship¬ 
building, grows to a large size, and considerable quantities of it are 
obtained here for the navy of the United States. The picture rep¬ 
resents a forest in Florida, and people cutting down the trees for 
timber. 



The Seminole Indians possessed the greater part of the countrr 
until the late war with them, in which they were nearly extermi¬ 
nated. The remnant of the tribe still occupy some of the finest 
districts. 

Tallahassee, the seat of government, is a new town. Pensacola 
is celebrated lor its fine harbor. Pop. 4,000. St. Augustine is re¬ 
markable for being built of stone formed of a concretion of shells. 
Pop. 5,000. 


72. THE SIX TERRITORIES. 

Map of the United States. Which are the six territories belongins to the United States? • 
Tell the boundaries of each. Tell the direction of the following places from Washington; — 
Tallahassee. Cape Sahle. Little Rock. Council BlulT. Detroit. Prairie du Cliien. Astoria. 
Describe the St. John’s river in Elorida; the Arkansas; St. Francis; Missouri; Yellow' 
Stone; St.Clair; Ouisconsin; Columbia. 

73. TERRITORIES, continued. 

The six territories are generally thinly settled, and are chiefly in 

lYhat of the face of tiie country^ Of the soil? What is the state of the country as to ciilti 
ration? What is if adapted to produce? For what is it remaikable? What valuable limber 
does it produce? Desci ilje the picture. What of the Seminole Indians? What does the rem¬ 
nant of the tribe possess? What of Tallahassee’^ Peusacola? St Augustine'* 

73. Ilow are the tenitoiies settled? 

7 

















74 


UNITED STATES. 


the occupation of various tribes of native Indians. There are im¬ 
mense regions which have never been explored. The white popu¬ 
lation is, however, increasing in most of them; civilisation is rap¬ 
idly encroaching upon the wilderness, and before many years, the 
whole of these immense regions will be inhabited by civilized men. 

It is probable that, ere long, roads will be cut across the Rocky 
mountains; that lines of stages will convey travellers from the shores 
of the Atlantic to the Pacific; that the borders of the latter ocean 
will be occupied by towns and villages; and that the immense val¬ 
leys of the Missouri, the Arkansas, and the Columbia, now given 
Uj) to the dominion of savages and wild beasts, will present all the 
busy and varied scenes of a crowded population. It is not incredi¬ 
ble that persons now in being may witness the day, when every 
mail that arrives will bring letters and newspapers from towns and 
villages tliat are yet to spring up on the various branches of the 
Columbia, the Missouri, and the Arkansas. Should the population 
ol* tlie United States increase at the same ratio that it has done, in 
the year 1900, it will amount to 100,000,000. Ere this time ar¬ 
rives, it is probable, that what may now seem too fanciful, will be 
in fact realized. 

The territories of the United States are under the care and 
direction of the general government. A governor is appointed by 
the president, who superintends the affairs of the territory over 
which he is jilaced. When the population of a territory amounts 
to 60,000, on the adoption of a republican form of government by 
the jieople, and their offering a petition to that effect to Congress, 
they will be admitted into the Union, and enjoy the same privi¬ 
leges as the other states. Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Mississippi, 
Alabama, and other states, formerly territories, have in this way 
become states within a few years past. 


74. UNITED STATES. GENERAL VIEW. 

Map of North America. Tell (he boundaries of the United States. 

Map of the United States. Tell the boundaries of each of the six Eastern States, with the 
capital, and its direction from Washington; the same of the four Middle Stales ; the same of 
the eight Southern; of the six Western; the names and boundaries of the six Territories 

What six principal rivers enter the Atlantic from the New England and Middle States^ 
What is the general direction of these rivers? What eight principal rivers enter the Atlantic 
from the Southern States? What is the general direction of these eight rivers? 

What three principal rivers enter the gulf of Mexico from the United States? What is the 
general direction of these three rivers? What five principal rivers join the Mississippi from 
the east? What is the general direction of these five rivers? What five principal rivers join 
the Mississippi from the west? What is the general direction of these five rivers? 

What two great ranges of mountains in the United States? 


What of white population? Civilisation? What will take place before many years? What 
IS not incredilile? If the po|)ula(ion of the United States increase as it has done, what will it 
amount to in 1900? Under witat direction are the territories of the United States? Who su 
pei'intends (lie all’airs of the territories? What is necessary for a territory to become a state, 
and a member of the Union? What have become states within a few years, that were formerly 
territories' 




UNITED STATES 


75 


75 . UNITED STATES, continued. 

The United States occupy the middle region of North America, 
and are, from the extreme points, 1,700 miles in extent fi-om north 
10 south, and 3,000 miles from east to west. The number of square 
miles is about two millions, embracing one twenty-fifth part of all 
tlie land on the globe, and forming one of the most extensive terri¬ 
tories under one government, in the world. A view of the extent 
and population of the individual states, and of the country general¬ 
ly, may be found in Table No. 1, in the Atlas. 

So vast a region, of course, includes a great variety of surface, 
soil and climate. It abounds in rivers, and a larger portion of it is 
susceptible of cultivation, and of a quality to repay the labor be¬ 
stowed upon it, than almost any other region of the same extent. 
But a small portion of its surface is occupied by mountains, which, 
from their height or ruggedness, forbid all attempts to render them 
productive of the means of subsistence to man. There ’ are no 
great deserts, and few barrens; nothing like the vast sterile plains 
which exist in other parts of the globe. 

The basins of the rivers are exceedingly productive; that of the 
Mississippi, including the Missouri, is undoubtedly the finest valley 
on the globe. It is abundantly watered by streams, which not only 
give fertility to their borders, but are ready to waft the gifts of the 
soil to the ocean, and bring back to the inhabitants the products of 
all other climes. Its soil returns an ample harvest for all that is 
planted in it; and its climate is favorable to almost every production 
of the earth that can sustain life, or increase its luxuries. 

The United States, though lying within the, temperate zone, 
embrace a great variety of climate. In the northern parts, the 
winters are long and severe. Snow often falls to the depth of two 
or three ieet, and the cold is so piercing as to oblige the inhabitants 
to make very diligent provision against it. Spring here returns in 
April, and in summer the heat is great. In the southern parts of 
the United States, snow is seldom seen; ice is rarely formed in the 
rivers, and those fruits which shrink from a northern climate, and 
flourish only in warm regions, are scattered over the soil. In 
Georgia, the inhabitants are able to make a breakfast ol'figs, which 
grow before their windows, and may load their tables with oranges, 
lemons, and ot her exquisite fruits, that grow in their own gardens 
and groves; while in parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Ver¬ 
mont, even peaches will not flourish. Between these extremes, as 


75. What part of North America is occupied by the United States.^ Extent of United 
States from north to southi’ From east to west? Number of square miles? What portion 
of all the land on the globe is this? Here the pu})il should answer the questions on Table 
No. 1. What does so vast a region as the United States embrace? What does it abound in? 
What of the soil? Its surface? The basins of the rivers? What do you mean by the basin 
of a river? Ans. ‘ The whole country bordering on a river and its branches.’ What of ihe 
valley of the Mississippi? Its rivers? Its soil? Its climate? The climate of the United 
States? Winter in the northern paits? Summer? Climate in the southern parts'* What of 
fruits in Georgia? W hat ol peaches' 






76 


UNITED STATES 


in Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri and Illinois, there is a region 
adajited to the wine grape, which thrives best in places removed 
from both the torrid and frigid zones. 

In regard to education, the United States may be considered as 
superior to most other countries in some respects, and inferior to 
many countries in other respects. Education is widely diffused 
here, and there are very few persons who have not instruction, or 
the means of instruction, in all the branches of a common English 
education; yet we have few men who make literature the business 
of their lives. In Europe, there are many authors, and a multitude 
of professors, in the various branches of literature, Avho spend their 
lives in the acquisition of knowledge. There are also universities 
containing many thousands of volumes, thus affording great facili¬ 
ties to such individuals in their pursuits. 

Beside this, there are many collections in natural history, fur¬ 
nishing sjiecimens of almost every animal, vegetable, and mineral, 
that is found on the globe. Yet while these facilities are furnished 
to those engaged in literature and science, the education of the 
common people is overlooked, or neglected, in many of these coun¬ 
tries. The United States, therefore, are distinguished in respect 
to education, for the general diffusion of knowledge among the 
peofile, while they are destitute of a class of men well knoAvn in 
Europe under the title of literati. A list of colleges will be found 
in Table No. 2, in the Atlas. 

Government is a system, by which the laws cf a country are 
made and put in force. Most governments consist of three 
branches;—that which makes the laws, called the legislative, and 
that which sees to their execution, called the executive. The other 
branch, called the judiciary, consisting of the courts, has for its 
object the explanation of the law, in doubtful or disputed cases. 

The various operations of making and executing the laws, ren¬ 
der it necessary to employ many persons to perform these duties. 
A government in which the people, directly or indirectly, choose 
these persons to make and execute the laws, is called a democracy, 
or republic. It is called a free government, because the people aVe 
at liberty to give their votes for whom they please. It is also called 
a popular government, because all the power, in the hands of t’ ose 
engaged in the business of government, is derived from the peop’e. 

Now, each of the 24 states is a republic, for it has a governmi 
of its own; that is, it has a legislature to make laws for the people 


What of the wine grape? Education in the United States? What of its ditTusion? Of what 
class of men are there tew? What of authors and piofessoi;s in Europe? Universities? Col¬ 
lections ill natural history? Common education in European countries? How are the United 
Slates distinguished with respect to education? Of what are they destitute? Anszucr quesliorvt 
on Tabu No. 2. J '1 

What is government? What are the three branches of government?, What is necessary in 
order to have various operations of government performed? What is a democracy, or republic? 
Why is a republic called a free governmeuL^ A popular government? Why is each of the 
24 states a republic* 




UNITED STATES 


77 


of the particular state; an executive, at the head of which is a 
governor, to see that the laws are enhirced; and a judiciary, to de¬ 
cide in disjiuted cases between its citizens; and these are directly or 
indirectly chosen by the peojile. 

The United States are all united under a general government 
called a Federal Republic; that is, a republic in which several sepa¬ 
rate republics are federated, or united, into one. The legislative 
power of the United States is vested in the liands of Congress, 
which consists of two branches, the senate and the house of repre¬ 
sentatives. The executive power is vested in the hands of a 
president, Avho, with various subordinate othcers, administers the 
government, and they are therefore called the Administration. 
The great business of the general government is, to manage the 
affairs of the country with foreign powers, to provide for its defence 
against insurrection and invasion, and to attend to all the general 
affairs of the country, which may not happen to be the business of 
a particular state. The president, with a vice-president, is elected 
by electors chosen in the several states. He holds his office for 
four years, and resides at Washington in a building belonging to 
the government of the United States, called the president’s house. 
He is assisted by four subordinate officers, called secretary of state, 
secretary of the treasury, secretary of war, and secretary of the 
navy; and these are called the cabinet. 

Congress meets at Washington every winter, and transacts its 
business in the capitol. Two senators are sent from each state; 
consequently the senate consists of 48 members. Each state sends 
one member to the house of representatives for every 40,000 of its 
inhabitants; if it has five times 40,000, or !200,000 inhabitants, it 
sends five representatives. In the slave states, five slaves count as 
three white men; 66,666 slaves therefore enable their owners to elect 
one member of Congress. Senators are chosen for six years, and 
members of the house of representatives, for two years. These 
two bodies meet in separate apartments in the capitol, and their 
deliberations are always distinct. 

The judiciary of the United States consists of seven judges. 
These judges hold courts separately in various parts of the Union, 
and every winter they are united in one court at Washington, called 
the Su])reme Court, to hear and adjudge such questions as may 
come up before them. The business of the United States’ courts 


How are (he individual states united? What is a federal republic? How is the legislative 
power in the United Slates vested? Of what does Congress consist? How is the executive 
power vested? What is the administration? What is the duty of the general governineni? 
How are tlie president and vice-president chosen? How long does the president hold his of¬ 
fice? Where reside? By whom assisted? When and where do Congress meet? For what 
purpose do they meet? IIow many senators sent from each state? How many in all? flow 
inanv inliabitan'ts in the state enable the people to send one representative to Congress? How 
manV slaves enable their holders to send one member to Congress? For how long are senators 
cliosen? How long representatives? What of these two bodies, the senate and house of repre- 
lentatives^ What of the judiciary? The Supreme Court? The duty of the United Stales’ 





78 


UNITED STATES 


is to deckle questions which may arise under the laws made by 
Congress. 

In most countries, some particular religion is established by law, 
and the people are required to pay for the support of it, and are 
also called upon to believe it. If they refuse to believe it, they 
suffer various inconveniences. But in the United States, no reli¬ 
gion is established by law. The government does not meddle 
with religious matters. P'very person is at liberty to choose his 
religion, and freely worship God according to the dictates of his 
conscience. The peo])le are divided into various sects, an account 
of which will be found in the table of religious denominations in 
the Atlas, No. 3. 

The New England States, as has been seen, were settled by 
English emigrants, called Puritans. These Puritans were a very 
peculiar peoj)le; their habits, their notions of religion, of society 
and government, were peculiar. They were in Europe very differ¬ 
ent from all around them; they were in America very different from 
the settlers in other portions of the country. They were of one 
opinion, and although divided into different colonies, and having 
different governments, yet they acted in concert on great occasions, 
and in times of difficulty and danger, resorted to mutual counsel, 
and, if there was need, to united efforts. A people thus tied 
together by calling the same land their first home,—by sharing the 
same faith,—participating in the same dangers,—fighting in the 
same battles,—sympathizing with each other in all their feelings of 
joy and sorrow,—were likely to become firmly knit together, like 
one great family. Such has been the fact. The descendants of the 
pilgrims have not only retained many of the peculiar traits of their 
noble and stern forefathers, but to this hour they bear the marks 
of the same ancestry, and, as in earlier days, though now divided 
into six distinct sovereignties, they usually, on national questions, 
act in concert. 

The Middle States, as has been observed, were settled at differ¬ 
ent times by people from different parts of Europe,—people having 
different forms of religion, different languages, and different habits. 
These, by living together in the same climate, and under the same 
government, by a blending of interest, and a mutual accommodation 
of feeling, are beginning to assimilate and coalesce; and ere long 
they will doubtless possess a nearly uniform character. 

The people of the Southern States, like those of New England, 
derive their origin principally from one source. Their ancestors 
were chiefly English emigrants, a large portion of them4ibelonging 
to the higher classes in England, who brought with them many of 


courts? What of religion in most countries? In the United States? How are the people 
div ided? Here answer questions on Table No. 3. 

What of the New England States? The Puritans? How were the people of New Eng¬ 
land tied or united together? What of the descendants of the pi'grims? wlial of the Middle 
States'* What is besiuning to take place iu the Middle States'* What of the Southeru States^ 




UNITED STATES 


79 


their native habits. These habits have been .transmitted, and to 
this day, in all the Southern States, the planters resemble the 
English country gentlemen. Living, in like manner, on large 
estates, they have their race course, their packs of hounds, their 
deer chase, and their fox hunting, with the same liberal and hospit¬ 
able habits towards those who become their guests. 

Thus united by a common origin, and by similar tastes and 
feelings derived from their ancestors, the Southern States have been 
still more strongly bound together by the circumstance, that while 
their interests and habits as between themselves are alike, they are 
yet ditferent from those of other sections of the country. Their 
chief interests and occupations being in agriculture, they differ from 
those portions which are largely engaged in manufactures and 
commerce. Depending upon slaves to perform their labor, they 
differ from those who labor for themselves. Possessing large 
plantations and abundant fortunes, they differ froni those, who, 
living where wealth is much distributed, have each a little, and de¬ 
pend upon their ingenuity and industry to obtain more. 

From the operation of these causes, the Southern States are 
generally closely united, while they are often opposed to the North¬ 
ern and Eastern States. The people of these two sections of the 
country are frequently found advocating different measures and dif¬ 
ferent plans of policy. What seems advantageous to one, appears 
disadvantageous to the other;—a law that would benefit New Eng¬ 
land, appears to threaten injury to the South. It is happily found, 
however, that this spirit off opjiosition diminishes, as the true inter¬ 
ests of both are better understood,—and the rivalry of the two sec¬ 
tions will, we hope, only operate as a mutual stimulus to excel in 
patriotic exertion. 

The Western States, all lying west of the great Alleghany range 
of mountains, are separated from the ocean, while each of the New 
England, Middle, and Southern States, with the exception of Penn¬ 
sylvania and Vermont, touches upon the sea. No one of the 
Western States has a seaport. They are, however, abundantly 
compensated by their mighty rivers. The number of steam-boats 
on the Mississippi alone, is more than 300, and such is the rapidity 
of their motion, that a lew days is sufficient to perform a trip from 
Cincinnati to New Orleans and back. Some of these boats are of 
500 tons burden. The amount of produce that goes down, and of 
goods that return, is truly immense, and sufficiently attests the 
wealth and importance of this flourishing section of our country. 


What of (he southern planters? How are the people of the Southern States hound together? 
What of tlieir chief interests and occupations? JIow do they did'er from those who labor for 
themselves? From those who live where wealth is so distrihuted that each has a little? 
What follows from these causes? What of the people of the North and South? What is 
happily found? What may we hope? What of the Western States? The New Enchind, 
Middle, and Southern States'* What of rivers in the Western States^ Steam-boats? What 
of internal improvements'’ 









80 


UNITED STATES. 


Since the completion of the Hudson and Erie canai, there has 
sprung up in this country an active spirit to promote internal im¬ 
provements. Various canals have been undertaken and successfully 
com])leted. Others, some of them of great extent, and designed to 
connect the Western with the Atlantic States, have been projected. 
Several rail-roads are now in operation, and should they prove suc¬ 
cessful, they will soon connect the remotest parts of the country with 
each other. The operation of the Hudson and Erie canal, which 
has been to annihilate distance, and bring the very shores of the 
great western lakes into immediate and close connexion with an 
Atlantic market, has made the value of these im])rovements visible 
to every eye. The elfect upon an intelligent and active people 
must he, to secure to the country, at no distant day, all the advan¬ 
tages of these improved means of transportation. A view of the 
present internal improvements of the country may be found in the 
Atlas, in Table No. 4. 

We have noticed the settlement of the various parts of the United 
States under the several divisions of Eastern, Middle, Southern and 
Western. We shall now take a view of the history of the country, 
from the time that the people began to act as one great nation. 

In 1775, there were about 3,000,000 of people in the thirteen 
colonies. At this period, these colonies declared themselves inde¬ 
pendent, and took up arms to separate themselves from Great 
Britain. They were instigated to this act by the injustice of that 
government, who taxed the colonies, and yet refused them the 
privilege of having representatives in their parliament. The efibrt 
of Great Britain to subdue the country was great; but, animated 
by a love of liberty, and led by Washington, the people of America, 
after a bloody struggle of eight years, drove the British soldiers 
from the land, and became an independent nation. In 1789, the 
jn-esent form of government Avas established. Washington was 
the first president, and we have had six presidents since. 

The following are the 13 original states; and were united in the 
revolutionary Avar: 

NeAV Hampshire, NeAv Jersey, Virginia, 

Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, 

Rhode Island, DelaAvare, South Carolina, 

Connecticut, Maryland, Georgia. 

New York, 


What of canals? Rail-roads? What of the operation of the Hudson and Erie canal? 

Here answer questions on Table No. 4, The prin -ipnl canals and rail-roads in the 
United Slates will he found marked in the maps of New England, Middle Stales, Southern 
States, and Western Stales. The pupil may here he required to give an account of ihe.'-e 
several canals. The teacher will interrogate him as to'the direction and length, and places 
of termination of each. How many inhabitants in the colonies in 1775? AA^hat happened at 
this period? AA'hat instigated the people of America? AVhat of the etfort of Great Britain? 
What animated the Americans? Who led them? AVhat did they do? AVhen was the pres¬ 
ent constitution formed^ Who was the first presiUeut? How many since? W hich were the 
13 original states'* ^ 




LOWER CANADA. 


81 


The following have been admitted into the Union since 1789* * 
Vermont, 1791. Louisiana, 1811. Alabama, 1819. 

Kentucky, 1792. Indiana, 1816. Maine, 1820, 

Tennessee, 1796. Mississippi, 1817. Missouri, 1820. 

Ohio, 1802. Illinois, 1818. 

We cannot close our view of the United States without bestow¬ 
ing some attention upon the remnants of that people, which once 
claimed this country as their own. The Indians received the first 
settlers with hospitality. But the.y soon perceived that the white 
men levelled their forests, and that civilisation encroached upon 
their dominion. They became at first jealous, and then hostile. 
War ensued, and the Indian bow and arrow failed in the encounter 
with the European musket. The savages retired, and civilisation 
spread rapidly over the country. The Indians that hung upon the 
frontier gradually died and disappeared through the force of ardent 
spirits, and in various battles, which they have never ceased occa¬ 
sionally to provoke. Some broken and degenerate tribes still linger 
within the civilized districts. The Creeks, Cherokees, Choctaws 
and Chickasaws, have partially thrown off their savage character, 
and adopted some of the habits of civilized life. They are at best, 
however, but a miserable people, and are more ready to imbibe the 
vices than the virtues which belong to the society around them. 
The great portion of the Indians, that still live in the United States, 
occupy the remote western forests, disdaining the tame uniformity 
of settled life; they still, with a free foot and nervous arm, hunt 
the buffalo of the prairie, and climb the Rocky mountains in pur¬ 
suit of the antelope and deer. 'An estimate of their present num¬ 
ber will be found in Table No. 5, and a view of the various mis¬ 
sionary stations may be seen in Table No. 6. 

76. LOWER CANADA. 


Map of North America. Boundaries? Direction from where you are? What is the capi 
tal? Wliere is Quebec? Direction from Washington? New York? Boston? Where is 
Montreal? Direction from Quebec? New York? Boston? From you? What of the St. 
Lawrence? Utawas? St. Francis? Sorelle? Chaudiere? Where is the island of Cape 
Breton? 


77. LOWER CANADA, continued. 

A great part of Lower Canada is yet unoccupied by white inhab¬ 
itants. The principal settlements are along the banks of the St 
Lawrence. The face of the country is diversified, there being 
several parallel ranges of mountains, which extend through the 
province from the sea-coast. Between these, there are very fertile 

Tell the period when each of the other states was admitted into the Union. How did 
the Indians receive the first settlers? What did they soon perceive? Whai followed? 
What became of the Indians? What part of them still linger in the civilized districts? What 
tribes have partly adopted civilisation? What of these tribes? What of the greater part of 
the Indians in the United States? Here answer the questions on Tables No. 5 and 6. 

• 77 What is the state of a great part of the country in Lower Canada? Where are th* 
pnncjual settlements'' What of the face of the country'' The soil? 






82 


LOWER CANADA. 


valleys, producing abundant crops of grass and graii., Tlie exports 
are furs, timber, pot and pearl ashes, grain and fish. A considera¬ 
ble ])art of these exports are the produce of Upjier Canada, which 
are taken to Montreal, and thence to a foreign market. 

The climate is excessively severe in winter, the thermometer 



sometimes sinking to 30° below zero. The people protect them¬ 
selves from this extreme cold, by covering every part, even the 
face, except the eyes, thickly in furs. The preceding cut repre¬ 
sents a winter scene in Canada. The summers are very warm and 
short. The transition from winter to summer is very rapid, leav¬ 
ing scarcely more than a month for the season of spring. 

More than three fourths of the inhabitants of the country are 
natives, but are of French descent, and speak the French language. 
The rest are English, Scotch, Irish, and their descendants. The 
Catholic religion prevails to a great extent in this province, but 
other denominations are rapidly increasing. Education is much 
neglected, and the mass of the people, are very ignorant. There are 
many persons, however, jiarticularly in the large towns, of taste 
and refinement, and the elegancies of European society are often 
met with. There is a marked difference between this province and 
the United States, in the habits of the people, their buildings, and 
their modes of living. An individual from the latter country, who 
happens to be in Canada, will be reminded by every thing about 
liim that he is not at home. 

Quebec, the seat of government, is situated on the St. Lawrence, 
and is a remarkable jilace. It is divided into the upper and lower 
town. The latter is occupied principally by traders and sailors. 


The climate? Describe the picture. What of the seasons? 

What of the inhabitants as to their orii'in? What is the pi evailin;; relis;ion? What if other 
denominations? W'hat of education? Society? What of the did’erence between Lower Can¬ 
ada and the United States? Wliat of Quebec? 







'f 


NEW BRUNSWICK 


8.3 


Tae former, which constitutes the largest portion, is built upon a 
ligh rock, and is very strongly fortified. A person in the ujiper 
town looks abroad as from a lofty steeple, the jirospect being very 
extensive and striking. Seven miles below the city, the falls of th 
Montmorenci present a sublime spectacle. Near its entrance into 
the St. LaAvrence, it passes over a rock, and descends in one sheet 
to the depth of 240 feet. Population of Quebec, 22,000. 

Montreal is situated on an island in the St. Lawrence, at the head 
of ship navigation. It has an extensive commerce, the fur trade 
constituting one of its principal branches. The city is irregularly 
built, many of the houses being of stone, and covered with tin. 
Pop. 25,000. 

The island of Cape Breton belongs to this province; the inhabi¬ 
tants are chiefly occupied in working coal mines. They, however, 
pay considerable attention to the fisheries and fur trade. Arichaf 
and Louisburg are the principal towns in this island. 

78. UPPER CANADA. 

Map of North America. Boundaries? What is the seat of government? Where is York^ 
Direction of York from Quebec? Montreal? N^w York? Washington? Boston? P'roin 
vou? Where is Kingston? What of the St. Lawrence? Utawas? Niagara? Trent’ 
’Thames? 


79. UPPER CANADA, continued. 

A large portion of this territory has never been explored. The 
settlements are chiefly in the vicinity of the St. Lawrence. Near 
this river the land is level; in the interior, it is uneA-en. The soil 
is generally excellent, and yields abundant crops of grass, Avheat, 
Indian corn, hops, and flax. The climate is much milder than in 
LoAver Canada. 

York, the seat of government, is pleasantly situated on lake 
Ontario, and has a good harbor. Pop. 4,000. Kingston, on lake 
Ontario, has also an excellent harbor, and is the place of rendezvous 
of the shipping on the lake. Pop. 4,000. Newark and Queens 
iown are the other considerable places. 

80. NEW BRUNSWICK. 

Map of North America. Boundaries? Direction from Massachusetts? Connecticut? 
New York? AVhere is the bay of Fiindy? Passamaqiioddy bay? What is the capital? 
Where is Frederickton? Direction from Quebec? Boston? New York? From where you 
aie? Where is the town of St. John’s? St. Andrew’s? What of the St. John’s river^ 

81. NEW BRUNSWICK, continued. 

The country in this province, toward the sea-coast, and along 
le St. John’s, is level. The most western portion is mountainous. 

P'alls of Montmorenci? Montreal? Cape Breton? Inhabitants? Towns? 

79. What of a large portion of Upper Canada? Where are the principal p's!'! of the set 
ements? What of the face of the country^ Soil’’ Productions’ Climate'' AVhat of 
York’’ Kingston? What other considerable places'* 

81 What bf the face of the country’ 










84 


NOVA SCOTIA. 


The climate is similar to that of Lower Canada. The borders of 
the rivers are fertile in grass and grain, though agriculture is not 
yet greatly advanced. The uplands yield fine timber, the pine 
forests affording very large trees, which are used for masts in the 
British navy. The*^sea-coast abounds in cod and other fish; the 
river St. John’s is thronged with herring, shad, and salmon. The 
fisheries are a principal source of employment and wealth to the 
inhabitants. The exports are timber and fish. 

The herring fisheries present a curious spectacle. The fisher¬ 
men, seated in a boat, at night, carry a torch, which attracts the 
fish. The boat is rowed rapidly forward, tlie fish crowd to the 
stern of the boat, and are scooped out of the water by one of the 
fishermen. The following engraving exhibits one of these scenes. 



Frederickton, the seat of government, is situated on the St. 
John’s, near the head of sloop navigation. The town of St. 
John’s, situated near the mouth of the same river, is a flourishing 
place, and the largest in the province. Pop. 10,000. 

82. NOVA SCOTIA. 

Map of North America. Boundaries? Direction from Massachusetts? New York? What 
IS the capital? Where is llalilax,? Direction from Quebec? Boston? New York’’ W^ash- 
iugtou? Where is the island of St. John’s^ 

83. NOVA SCOTIA, continued. 

The jieninsula of Nova Scotia presents a moderately uneven 
surface, the soil along the sea-coast being generally barren and 
dreary. In the interior it is better, and along the bay of Fundy, 
and southwest of Halifax, it affords abundant crops of grain. The 
climate, like that of Lower Canada, is severe, though softened, in 

Climate? Soil? Productions? Agriculture? What of the fish? The fisheries? Export*^ 
Describe the picture. What of Frederickton? St.John’s? 

83. What is Nova Scotia? Face of the country in Nova Scotia^ Soil? Productioiw? 
Climate? 





















NEWFOUNDLAND 


85 


!?ome degree, and rendered moist by the neighborhood of the sea. 
Lumber, fish, and plaster of Paris, are the principal exports. 

Observation .—Plaster of Paris is a species of stone, which is 
ground to powder, and strown upon lands where it produces the 
eftect of manure. It is extensively used by the farmers in some 
parts of the United States. 

Halifax, on Chebucto Bay, is the capital; it possesses a fine 
harbor, and with the exception of Burmuda, is the principal station 
for British ships in North America. Pop. 15,000. The engraving 
exhibits the British ships in port at Halifax, and a British oificer in 
the foreground. 



The other considerable towns are Liverpool and Windsor, 
There is a College at Windsor, which possesses a valuable library. 
Provision is made for the support of schools, in all the villages in 
the province. 


84. NEWFOUNDLAND. 

Map of North America. What is Newfoundland? What straits separate it from Labrador? 
How IS it hounded? In what direction is it from Massachusetts? New York? What is the 
capital? Where is St. John’s? Direction from Quebec? Halifax? Boston? 


85. NEWFOUNDLAND, contiVued. 

The interior of this island has never been explored. It presents 
a bold and rocky shore, abounding in fine harbors. The face of the 
country, where it is known, is hilly, and the soil barren, though 
productive of timber. The climate is severe, and the country is 
frequently visited by dreary fogs, and storms of sleet and snow. 


Exports? What is plaster of Paris? Its use? What of Halifax? 

Describe the picture. What are the other considerable towns? What college in Windsor^ 
What is done for education? 

85. What of the interior of Newfoundland? What of the shore? The face of the country^ 
Soil? Climate? 


s 
















NEW BRITAIN 


&6 

This island ow'cs its im})ortance to its cod fislieries, wlii'ch are 
the most valuable in the world. The fish are caught singly, with 
baited hooks, upon the banks, which are places of shallow water 
in the ocean. The Grand Bank, 60 miles Iroiii the southeast shore 
of the island, is S30 miles long, and 75 wide. East of this, is the 
Green Bank, which is 240 miles long, and 120 broad. Three 
thousand small vessels, belonging to Great Britain, France, and the 
United States, with 100,000 men, find employment in these fishe¬ 
ries. They are important, not only for the great value of the fish 
taken, but as a practical school for the training of seamen. The 
picture exhibits fishermen engaged in taking fish. 



The fishermen in this service suffer very much from cold and 
from tempestuous weather. After the fish are caught, they are 
taken ashore, dressed, and dried in the open air. They are then 
salted in barrels, and sent to various markets throughout Europe 
and America. 


86. NEW BRITAIN. 

Map of North America. What bay divides New Britain into two parts? Where is Lab¬ 
rador^ East Maine? New South W^ales? New North Wales? What of Mackenzie’s river? 
What lake is the source of Alackenzie’s river? W'^hat of Nelson’s river? What lake is the 
source of Nelson’s river? In what direction are the following places from New York ;—> 
Baffin’s hay? Labrador? Slave lake? Winnipeg? Where are Hudson’s Stiails? Davis’s 
slraiLs? James’s bay? Barrows’ straits? James island? Southampton island? Melville? 
North Georgian isles? Where is fort Severn? Fort Moose? Where is Nain? Okkok? 

87. NEW BRITAIN, continued. 

The face of the country in this immense region, where it has 

From wliat does it derive its importance? ’’Vhat of the cod fisheries? How are the fish 
taken? Wlifie? What are the Banks? l^escribe the Grand Bank 5 Green Bank. How 
many vessels emiiloyed in these fisheries? How many men? To what countries do these 
vessels belong? <in what two accounts are tliese fisheries important? Describe the picture. 
How are the fish cured? Where are they sent? 

87. Face of the couulry in New Britain? 





























NEW BRITAIN. 


87 


been explored, is in parts level and marshy; in others, uneven, 
hilly, or mountainous. The soil is generally barren; the climate 
exceedingly rigorous; and the aspect of nature dreary and deso¬ 
late. Nothing of the vegetable kind flourishes here, and the 
country is given up to the possession of savage tribes and wild 
animals. 

The coasts of Labrador are inhabited by the Esquimaux, a race 
of savages, of low stature and inferior capacity, who sustain a 
miserable existence chiefly by feeding on seals and whales. Of the 
skins of the seal they make their boats, and their clothes, and of 
his sinews they make thread. They travel over the snow in sledges 
drawn by dogs, of which they have a very hardy and sagacious 
breed. These will travel, with a considerable load, 60 miles in a 
day. The Esquimaux display great skill in driving them. The 
engraving represents a picture of these people drawn by their dogs. 



The interior of New Britain is occupied by various tribes of 
Knisteneaux and Chippewa Indians. They subsist principally by 
hunting, but are a miserable and degraded people. Bears, deer, 
raccoons, and muskrats, are abundant, and the peltry obtained from 
them are sold by the Indians to the traders, who give in exchange 
blankets, guns, powder, beads and trinkets. 

There are no settlements, except at the posts established by the 
fur companies, and the three small settlements of the Moravian 
missionaries among the Esquimaux. 

The men engaged in the fur trade, who have occasion to traverse 


Soil? Climate? Vegetation? What regions do the Esquimaux Indians inhabit? What of 
these Indians? Their mode of life? How do they travel? What of their dogs? Describe 
the picture. 

Bv whom IS the interior of New Britain inhabited? What is the character of these tribes?; 
Ilow do they subsist? What wild animals are abundant? What do the Indians do with tlu'.ir 
iuiif What selUciiient8.in, Neyv Britain? What settlements among the JCsquimaux’ 





























88 


DRITISH POSSESSIONS 


these desolate regions, have a singular method of traV'eiling, They 
take with them birch-bark canoes, which are very light, carrying 
them on their shoulders across the land, and using them upon the 
rivers, when these chance to flow in the direction of their route. 
In this way they travel for thousands of miles, taking with them 
their furs, goods and provisions. 

The fur companies engaged in this business, are the Hudson’s 
bay company, and the Northwest company. The former is an 
English company, and confined to Hudson’s bay and the vicinity. 
The North-west company is composed of Montreal merchants, 
whose operations extend to the Pacific ocean on the west, and the 
Frozen ocean on the north. Many of the agents of this company 
obtain large quantities of peltry in the neighborhood of Columbia 
River, and of course within the boundaries of the United States. 

88. BRITISH POSSESSIONS IN NORTH AMERICA. 

Map of North America. What countries in North America are embraced in the British 
possessions? Tell the boundaries of British America. What six principal rireis in British 
America? What is the largest river? Describe the St. Lawrence; Mackenzie’s; Slave; 
Saskatchewan; Nelson; Severn; Albany. What three great lakes^ What five lakes 
partly in British America? 

89. BRITISH POSSESSIONS. GENERAL VIEW. 

The British possessions in North America comprise an immense 
territory, nine-tenths of which is yet occupied by Indians. The 



whole white population amounts to near a million. Of the 
number of Indians, we have no means of forming an estimate. 
Throughout the whole of this region, the winters are long and 
severe; the summers hot, but short. The soil is fertile in the 


What method of travelling have the fur traders? What of the Hudson’s bay company? Of 
tlie Northwest company? 

aa What of the^ierritocy ol’ British America? WlitlP [wpjal.ation? Climate? Soilf 








ilDSSIAK POSSESSIONS. 


80 




snothern parts, but by far the greater portion sup})orts but a scanty" 
vegetation. 

The British provinces are placed under the direction of a gover¬ 
nor-general who is appointed by the king of Great Britain, and 
resides at Quebec. The preceding picture represents the governor- 
general, with soldiers to enforce his commands. 

Each of the four provinces, Uj)per and Lower Canada, New 
Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, has a lieutenant-governor, who is 
under the direction of the governor-general. The island of New 
found rand is under the government of an admiral. The inhabitants 
of these countries are loyal subjects of the king of England. Many 
of them are natives of Britain, and a strong attachment to the 
mother country is cherished in the provinces. 

These countries were principally settled by the French, and re¬ 
mained in their possession till 1759. At that time they were taken 
by the British, and have ever since remained as appendages to the 
British dominions. 

90. RUSSIAN POSSESSIONS. 

. Map of North America. Where are the Russian possessions? In what <lirertion are they 
from New England? New York? Washington? Boundaries? Wliat of Cooke’s river? 
Where is Kodiak island? King George’s island? Where is Admiralty hay? Portlock liar- 
bor? Where is mount Elias? Where is cape Prince of Wales? Cape fisbuin? 


91. RUSSIAN POSSESSIONS, continued. 

The tract of country belonging to Russia is a great extent of 
territory, of which but little is known. It contains about 1000 



white inhabitants, who are chiefly occupied in the collection of furs. 


What of the governor-general? Describe the picture. What of each of the four provinces? 
Of Newfoundland? What of the inhabitants? By whom were these countries settled? 
When, and how, did they become British possessions? 

91. What of the Russian Possessions in North America? How many white inhabitants-?- 
Whiit i.’ their business'* 

8* 



















90 


GREENLAND. 


There are about 50,000 Indians within the Russian territories, 
whose pursuits are hunting and fishing. They sell their furs to 
the Russian settlers, and receive in payment beads, tobacco, and 
other articles. In their character and appearance they are said to 
bear a resemblance to the Greenlanders. The engraving represents 
the Indians disposing of their furs to the traders. 

92. GREENLAND. 

Map of North America. Boundaries? Direction from Massachusett*^ From where you 
arc? Where is New Ilernhut? Lichtenfels? Lichtenau^ 

93. GREENLAND, continued. 

Greenland is the coldest inhabited country on the globe. Its 
surface presents a dreary and desolate waste of barren, rocky moun¬ 
tains, whose summits are ahvays covered with snow and ice. The 
northern parts of the country are totally destitute ol' vegetation, 
and the southern portions only afibrd a stinted growth of trees and 
shrubs. The winters are long and intensely cold; the summers 
are very short. The inhabitants derive exceedingly little advantage 
from the productions of the earth. 

' The sea furnishes them with almost their whole support. 
Whales, seals, walrusses and porpoises, abound on the coasts. 
The white bear, a fierce and powerful brute, disputes the sove¬ 
reignty of the soil with the inhabitants, and often claims possession 
of the fish thrown upon the shores by the sea. Reindeer, foxes, 
hares and wild dogs, are common. The latter, which are the same 
as those of the Esquimaux, are rendered domestic, and trained to 
sledges, and carry the inhabitants over the snow, at the rate of 60 
miles a day. 

The people live in houses made of stone or turf. Their fires 
are supplied by drift wood, which floats to their shores in consider¬ 
able quantities, and by moss and train oil. The seal is of great 
importance to them. Its flesh is their principal article of food, its 
skin is converted into boats and clothing, and thread and twine are 
made of its sinews. To excel in catching seals, is esteemed a mat¬ 
ter of pride and renown; to be ignorant of it, is regarded as a 
worthy occasion of contempt. The following picture represents 
the people engaged in taking seals. 

The people of Greenland are of the same race as the Esquimaux, 
low of stature, dull in intellect and feeling, and filthy in their hab- 


How many Indians? Their cliief pursuits? How do they dispose oftheir furs? Their char¬ 
acter and appearance? Describe tlie picture. 

93. What is the coldest inhabited country on the globe? Face of the country in Greenland? 
What of vegetation? What of winter and summer? From what do the inhabitants derive 
their chief support? What fish and animals abound on the coast? What powerful animal 
inhabits the land? What other wild animals in Greenland? What of the dogs in Greenland? 
What of their houses? Their fires? What supplies them with their means of subsistence? 
What are the uses of the seal? IIow is the art ot catching seals esteemed among the people.^ 
Describe the picture. Of what race are the Greenlanders? Their character? 



ICELAND. 


9] 



its. Until the Moravian missionaries taught them something of 
Christianity, they were barbarians, and sometimes the children 
buried their parents to get rid of the trouble of maintaining them. 
They are now partially initiated in the knowledge and practice of 
Christianity. 

The only settlements are New Hernhut, Lichtenfels, and Lich- 
tenau. The number of inhabitants was formerly 20,000; but 
they are now reduced to about 7,000: owing, it is said, to the in¬ 
creased rigor of the climate. They are subject to the king of Den¬ 
mark. The country is principally valuable for its whale fisheries, 
which were formerly extensive, but are now of less importance. 

94. ICELAND. 

Mnp of the Atlantic Ocean. Where is Iceland? Is it nearest the eastern or western con¬ 
tinent? In what direction is it from Boston? Cuba? England? How man^ degrees of lati¬ 
tude between Iceland and New York? How many degrees of longitudei* 

95. ICELAND, continued. 

This island is about 280 miles in length, and, lying partly within 
the frigid zone, the climate is very severe. The face of the coun¬ 
try is wild, rugged and mountainous. Vegetation is scanty, there 
being no woods except trees scarcely taller than a man: the pas¬ 
tures are however tolerable, and a few potatoes are produced. 

The island is thinly peopled. The largest town has only 500 
inhabitants. The Icelanders are Lutherans, and are simple in their 
habits, moral and religious. They have no schools, but the chil¬ 
dren are taught by their mothers. A love of knowledge prevails, and 


Stale of society? What settlements in Greenland? What is the number of inhabitants? 
To whom are the people subject? On what account is Greenland valuable? What of the 
Greenland fisheries? 

91. What of Iceland? Climate? Face of the countr)'? Vegetation? Pastures? What 
are cultivated? What of the largest town? The inhabitants? Education? Knowledge? 










92 


MEXICO 


you can scarcely enter a hut, without finding one or more^ persons- 
of much general intelligence. Families usually sj)cnd their, eve¬ 
nings in listening to reading, each individual making such remarks 
as he chooses upon the subject. Tlie people live mostly in rude 
huts of turf, or in caverns hewn in the rocks. The whole popula¬ 
tion of the island is about 50,000. 

Mount Hecla is one of the most celebrated volcanoes in the 
ivorld. It is 5000 feet high, and has been known to throw stones,. 



lava and ashes from its crater to the distance of many miles.. 
Its eruptions are truly terrific. The hot springs, called the Gev- 
sers, at the foot of the mountain, throw up columns of boiling Ava- 
ter and foam, sometimes to the height of 80 feet! The picture 
presents a view of the Geysers, Hecla, and some of the people. 

96. MEXICO. 

Map of North America. Boundaries.^ AVhat range of mountains in Mexico.^ In what 
direction do the UordiJleras run.^ Wliat peninsula on the western coast of Mexico.^ What 
gulf on tlie western coast of Mexico? Where is lake Chapala? What is the capital of Mexi¬ 
co? Where is the city of Mexico? Direction from New Orleans? Washington? New 
York? Boston? Quebec? Where is Guanaxuato? Puebla? Vera Cruz? Santa Fe? 
Monterey? Aca^iulco? Valladolid? San Louis de Potosi? What of the Arkansas river'*' 
Red^ Kio del Norie^ Colorado? Grande? Gila? Puerco? Brazos? 

97. MEXICO, CONTINUED. 

Mexico is divided into fifteen provinces. The surface of the 
country is low and level, both on the eastern and western coast. 
Toward the interior, it rises gradually, till it reaches the elevation- 
of 6,000 or 8,000 feet above the sea. It then expands into broad 
plains, called table lands, many hundred miles in extent. From 


How do .'ainiHps 'pcnd (heir evenings? Ilaliitations? Population? Mount Hecla? The 
Gey-ers? Describe (be [liciui'e. 

Uow is Mexico divided? What of the face of (he country* Describe the table lauJs-v 





































MEXICO 


93 


these plains, the tops of the Cordilleras rise to a great height, and 
present the sublime spectacle of peaks clothed in everlasting snow. 

The climate is hot and unhealthy on the sea-coast, but as you 
ascend toward the table lands, it becomes cool and salubrious. At 
the elevation of about 5000 feet, the air is delightful, possessing the 
genial influence of spring. On the higher table lands, the temper¬ 
ature is even cold, and on the tops of the mountains, winter holds 
[ perpetual sway. 

The soil of this favored country is generally very fertile, and its 
productions are varied and abundant. Vegetation is in the highest 
degree rich and luxuriant. Maize, or Indian corn, is the staple 
article, and two or three crops are often gathered in one year. 
Wheat, rye, and barley, are extensively cultivated. Oranges, 
lemons, figs, melons, sugar, indigo, tobacco, cochineal, cocoa, 
barilla, bananas, and various other articles, are among the produc¬ 
tions of the soil. 

I The Cordilleras, a chain of mountains, forming a part of the 
great range that runs through the American continent, consist of 
table lands, from which, as already mentioned, peaks rise up to a 
great elevation. The highest peak, Popocatapetl, is 17,000 feet 
above the level of the sea. This is a volcanic mountain, and 
formerly sent forth smoke, fire, lava, and red-hot stones from its 
top. Several of the peaks near the city of Mexico are volcanic, 
and rise to the height of 15,000 feet. These volcanoes are among 
the most sublime objects which the face of the world exhibits. 

The gold and silver mines of Mexico are the richest in the 
world. The principal mines are those of Guanaxuato, Catorce, 
and Zacatecas. The gold is found either mixed with sand in small 
particles, or in veins in the rocks. In the former case, it is sep¬ 
arated by washing; in the latter, it is obtained by blasting, and 
separated by a chemical process. Silver is found in various states, 
sometimes mixed with other minerals in the form of ore, sometimes 
imbedded in earth, and sometimes mixed with sand. It is most 
usually dug from the rocks with great labor, in ores of various 
colors, red, blue, yellow or black. 

The population of Mexico was estimated at 7,000,000 in 1827. 
Less than one fourth of the inhabitants are whites; one third are 
Indians, submitting to the government; the remainder, constituting 
nearly one half of the population, are mixed races called Mestizoes. 

1 The whites are vicious, and lead indolent and luxurious lives. 

The Indians are in a state of servitude and degradation, and generally 
j, go naked. Industry is not common among any part of the people. 


climate; soil; productions; Describe tlie Cordilleras ; Popocatapetl; the peaks near the 
city of Mexico. What of volcanoes.'* What of the mines of Mexico;* What are the princi¬ 
pal inines.^ la what states is gold I’ound.^ How is it separated.^ In what forms is silver 
foundi* 

The population of Mexico.? What proportion are whites'* What portion are Indians? 
What are the rest? Character of the whites? What of the Imliaus? -What of iudustrj^:? 




94 


MEXICO 


Violence, robbery, and murder, are frequent. The roads are bad, 
and travelling is chiefly performed on mules. It is to be hoped, 
that the influence of the new government will produce a better 
state of things. 

The city of Mexico, containing 150,000 inhabitants, is one of 
the largest towns in America. Its streets are regular, and many of 
the public and private buildings are in a style of magnificence,, 
equalled by few cities in the ivorld. It contains upwards of one 
Hundred churches, many of them adorned in a most costly manner, 
with gold and silver. The mint, an establishment for coining money,, 
is the richest in the world. The valley around the city is beautifully 
cultivated, and affords a delightful jucture, wben contrasted with* 
the sublime mountains that encircle it. On the lake Tezcuco, 
which is near the city, are extensive floating gardens, Avhich supply 
the ])lace with its vegetables. If we take into consideration the 
elevation of Mexico, which is 7,500 feet above the level of the 
sea, the splendor of its edifices, the beauty of the valley around it,. 



and the grandeur of the scenery, it may be regarded as one of the- 
most remarkable and interesting places in the world. The preced¬ 
ing picture represents the cathedral of Mexico, with volcanic 
mountains in the background. 

Puebla, a city of 70,000 inhabitants, is at the same elevation as 
Mexico, and about 70 miles distant from it. It is regularly built 
of stone, and its edifices are lofty and handsome. Zacatecas is 
remarkable for its silver mines, wliich are the most productive in. 
the world. Pop. 33,000. Guanaxuato, situated among the moun¬ 
tains, is also celebrated for its silver mines. Pop. 36,000. 


Of violence and robbery? The roads? Method of travelling? AVhat of the citv of Mexico?- 
Its population? Streets? Buildings? Churches? The mint? The surrounding scenerv? 
The floating gardens? On what accounts is Mexico remarkable and interesting^ Dcscri'ba 
the picture. Wliat of Puebla? Zjicatecas? Guanaxuato’ 


























GUATIMALA. 


95 


Vera Cruz is a place of great commerce, almost all the trade of 
Mexico with Europe being carried on through it. Its harbor, 
however, is inconvenient, and the climate is unhealthy. Pop. 
16,000. Acapulco is the principal Mexican port on the Pacific 
ocean. It is a small, unhealthy town, with a fine harbor, principal¬ 
ly inhabited by mulattoes. Poj). 4,000. Santa Fe, the most 
northern town of importance, has considerable trade with the 
southwestern part of the United States, carried on across the 
country. 

The religion of Mexico is Roman Catholic; there are 10,000 
clergy, many of them being rich, and possessing great influence 
over the minds of the people. The government is republican, 

I and similar to that of the United States. The country is, howev- 
' er, in a very unsettled condition, and its future prospects are un¬ 
certain. Until within a few years, Mexico was subject to the king 
I of Spain, but the people have thrown ofi’ his sovereignty and de- 
1 dared themselves independent. 

98. GUATIMALA. 

I Map of North America? Where is Guati;iia!af Its boundaries? Direction from New 
j Eni^landr Whai niounta'ns pass through this rouiitry? What river in Guatiinala? Describe 
1; Juan river. Wliere is lake Nicaragua? Where the hay of flonduras? Amatique bay? 

f Wheye are the Corn isles? What is the cajutal? Where is the city of Guafiniala? Its'diiec* 
tion iiom the city of Mexico' Washington? New York? Boston? New Orleans? Where 
is Leon? Truxillo? Vera Paz? Chiapa? 

99. GUATIMALA, continued. 

Guatimala is divided into six provinces. The great American 
range of mountains extends through its whole length, giving a 
mountainous character to the face of the country. There are 



Vera Cruz? Acapulco? Santa Fe? Religion? Clergy? Government? What has riv 
ceojy- taken place in Mexico? 

99? How is Guatimala divided^ What luouutaius in Guatimala’ Face of the country? 





















96 


NORTH AMBRIOA- 


more than twenty volcanoes constantly burning’; eruptions are fre¬ 
quent, and earthquakes are not uncommon. In the low parts of 
the country, the climate is hot and unhealthy; in the higher parts, 
it is cool and salubrious. The soil is fruitful, and the productions 
are nearly the same as in Mexico. The lands along the bay of 
Honduras are celebrated for logwood and mahogany, of which 
vast quantities are shipped to various parts of America and Europe. 
The picture represents people cutting down logwood and mahoga¬ 
ny. In the background are views ol’ volcanoes. 

This country was subject to Spain till 1823, when it became in¬ 
dependent. Its government is republican, but rather unsettled. 

The city of Guatimala is the capital; it is near the Pacific ocean, 
and possesses a good harbor. Its churches and monasteries are 
numerous and costly; the gold and silver used for decoration in 
the churches^ would amount to several millions of dollars. This 
city contains a university, and 50,000 inhabitants. In 1773, it 
was overwhelmed by an earthquake, and 8,000 families were swal¬ 
lowed up in a moment. 

100. NORTH AMERICA. 

Map of North America.—Map of Weatem Hemisphere, How many degree? of latitude 
in North America, from Melville island to the isthmus of PSlnama? How many degrees of 
longitude in North America, from the island of Newfoundland to Bheering’s straits? Which 
is the most northern part of North America that has been discovered? The most eastern part? 
Southern? Western? 

What three islands, one northern, and two southern, in the same longitude as Washington? 
What town in the Western States, and what lake in Mexico, nearlj^ in the same latitude as 
Washington? How many degrees south of Boston is the city of Mexico? How many degrees 
west? What islands, waters, and countries, in North America, between 10 and 20 degrees of 
north latitude? Between 20 and 30? Between 30 and 40? Between 40 and 50? Between 
50 and dO? Between 60 and 70? 

Describe the three great ranges of mountains in North America. Where is mount Elias? 
Describe the eight principal rivers of North America. What eight islands on the western 
coast of North America? What six islands on the eastern coast, north of 40 degrees N. lati¬ 
tude? Which are the five largest islands on the map of North America? What are the ten 
largest lakes in North America? What are the six divisions of North America? Tell the 
boundaries of each. 


101. NORTH AMERICA, continued. 

The length of North America, from Melville island to the isth¬ 
mus of* Panama, is about 4,500 miles; the width is about 2,500 
miles. The surface contains about eight millions of square miles; 
the population, including all the inhabitants, may be estimated at 
25,000,000. 

It embraces nearly every variety of climate, from the inflexible 
winter of polar regions, to the perpetual summer of the tropics. 
As we pioceed farther in the study of Geography, we shall discov- 


What of its volcanoes? What of earthquakes? Cfimate? Soil? Productions? What of 
logwood and mahogany? Describe the picture. What of the government of Guatimala? 
Describe the city of Guatimala. What ot the churches? How many inhabitants in th« city 
of Guatimala? What happened to it in 1773^ 
lOl. Length of North America? Width? Extent? Population^ Clknate? 



NORTH AMERICA. 


97 


er that the winters of North America are far more severe than 
those of Europe in the same latitudes. This is probably owing, 
in part, to the great accumulations of ice in the northern j)arts of 
the American continent, which render the winds cold. We have 
all observed that winds from the north are cold, while those from 
the south are warm; this is easily accounted for, by considering 
that the former come from the frozen regions of the Arctic ocean, 
while the latter visit us from the warm and sunny regions of the 
equator. The soil and productions of North America are as vari¬ 
ous as the climate. 

The peculiar geographical features of North America are, its 
remarkable lakes, its long rivers, and its great ranges of mountains. 
Lake Superior is the largest collection of fresh water in the world; 
and there are at least six others in North America, each of which 
is more extensive than the largest lake in Europe. There are 
eight rivers, the shortest of which is 1000 miles in length. The 
most remarkable cataract in the world is that of Niagara, of which 
a picture is here presented 



The mountains of North America consist of two great ranges. 
The western range extends from the isthmus of Panama to the 
Frozen ocean. It passes through Guatimala, Mexico, the United 
States, and the Russian possessions, in a direction nearly parallel to 
the coast. Its whole extent in North America is probably more than 
5,000 miles. The highest peak, mount Elias, is 18,000 feet above 
the lev'el of the sea, and is the highest mountain in Is^orth America. 

The eastern range lies wholly Avithin the United States, and pas- 
es under the name of the Ap])alachian chain. Its general direction 
is nearly ])arallel with the Atlantic coast, from which it is 150 to 


Whv are the winters more severe in North America than in Ktirope? Why are otir north 
winds cold? Our south winds warm? Soil? Productions? Lakes? Rivers? Calajact’ 
Descnijfc lIiiTpicture. Mountains' Describe the western range •, the eastern range. 

9 


















98 


A’OllTJI c^MERICA. 


250 miles distant. It consists of two parallel ranges, the principal 
ol' which is called the Alleghany ridge; the subordinate one, tlio 
Clue ridge. The Catskill mountains in New York, the Green 
mountain range in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and 
the White mountains in New Hampshire, are considered as branch¬ 
es of the Blue ridge. The peaks of the white mountains, in New 
Hampshire, are the highest elevations in the Appalachian chain. 

The mineral treasures of North America, so far as discovered, 
are chiefly confined to coal, iron, copper, lead, silver, and gold. 
The most remarkable coal mines are in Pennsylvania. Iron, the 
most useful of metals, is abundant in various parts of the coun¬ 
try, particularly in the United States. There are rich copper mines 
in the vicinity of lake Superior; there are other copper mines in 
various parts of the United States. The lead mines of Missouri 
are among the most productive in the world. The silver and gold 
mines of Mexico are equal, perhaps superior, to the most prolific of 
the South American mines. Gold has recently been discovered in 
North Carolina, and the adjacent states, and large quantities are 
now annually obtained. 

The animal kingdom of North America embraces a considerable 
variety of species, some of which are not found in any other parts 
of the world. The following is a list of the most remarkable of 
the native animals. 

Of thereat kind. The cougar, or puma, improperly called pan¬ 
ther. It is about one third less in size than the lion, of suflicient 
strength to carry a man up a tree, and found in the wooded parts 
of the country. The jaguar, resembling the panther, found, though 
rarely, in Mexico. The ocelot, found sometimes in Mexico and 
Guatiniala. The lynx, common in Canada. Mexican tiger cat, 
found in Mexico, and a little larger than the domestic cat.° Wild 
cat, twice the size of the domestic cat, with a short tail; it is a dif¬ 
ferent species from the wild cat of Europe, of which the domestic 
cat is a tame variety. 

Seal kind. The walrus, or great morse, common in the Green¬ 
land seas. The seal, several varieties; abundant on the northern 
coasts, both in the x4tlantic and Pacific. 

Opossum. One species found in Virginia. 

Beaver. Muskrat. Rat. Of the latter, various kinds. Mouse; 
many varieties. 

Marmot. The prairie marmot, or prairie dog; vast numbers in 
the Missouri territory. Woodchuck, or Maryland marmot; com¬ 
mon in the United States. Hood’s marmot, Louisiana marmot, 
and Parry’s marmot, and several other species. 

Squirrel. Red, gray, fox, black, cat, great-tailed, line-tailed, 
four-lined, Hudson’s bay, ground or chip, flying, and some others. 


Minerals; coalniines; iron; copper; lead; silver; gold. What of the animal king- 
dam of North America.^ T/ie teacher ivill here make sruh an examination of the puml, /«• 
tpecting the animalt of J^orth America, as he may think ft 




NORTH ABTERIO^A. 


99 


Common Hare. Commonly, but improperly, called rabbit. The 
rabbit is not a native of America. Two or three other species of 
hare. 

Deer. Moose; similar to the elk of Europe, the largest of the 
deer kind. The Wapiti, or American elk, a stately animal, whose 
horns are sometimes seven feet in length. Fallow deer; the com¬ 
mon deer of America. Mule, or black-tailed deer, a fine species, 
found in the vicinity of the Rocky mountains. Long-tailed deer, 
found in the Western Territories. Caribou, or American Reindeer, 
confined to frigid regions, and not used for draught, as the Rein¬ 
deer of Europe. These six kinds are all the species of deer in 
North America. The stag, or red deer, of Europe, is not known 
here. It is a peculiarity of the deer kind, that they shed their horns 
once a year. 

Antelope. One species, the prong-horned antelope of the Rocky 
mountains; a graceful and fleet animal, so swift, that it seems rather 
to fly than leap from rock to rock, in the rugged regions which it 
inhabits. 

Goat. Rocky mountain goat. The domestic goat is a foreign 
species. 

Sheep. Found in the Rocky mountains; similar to the Argali 
of Europe and Asia. All our breeds of domestic sheep are imported. 

Ox. Bison, improperly called Buffalo. Musk ox, confined to the 
arctic regions, covered with long hair, smaller in size than the 
domestic ox. All the varieties of domestic cattle are of foreign 
origin. 

Bat. Many kinds. Mole. Several species. Gopher. 

Bear. American black bear. Grisly bear, the most powerful 
and dangerous wild animal in North America, found near the Rocky 
mountains. Polar bear. The brown bear of Europe is not a 
native of this country. 

Raccoon. Common in all parts of North America. 

American Badger. Found in the plains of the Missouri. 

Glutton. Called wolverine, probably the strongest animal of its 
size; found in the northern parts. 

Weasel. Common weasel, becomes white in winter, and is 
called ermine in Europe. Pine weasel, pine martin. Pennant’s 
martin, sable, mink, otter, sea-otter. These animals furnish the fur 
companies with the most valuable part of their furs. Skunk. 
Peculiar to this country. 

Dog. The Esquimaux dog; three of these will draw a sledge 
of whale-bone, weighing 200 pounds, with a man on it, at the rate 
of 10 miles an hour. Newfoundland dog, a peculiarly faithful, 
sagacious, and interesting animal. Hare Indian dog. Found among 
tlie Hare Indians. 

Wolf. Common, barking, dusky, black. This latter is the 
fierc' St of wolves 




100 


NORTH AMERICA. 


Fox. Common, red, gray, black or silver, arctic, swift. This 
last is the smallest of foxes, and is confined to the arctic regions. 

Alligator. Found in southern waters, sometimes called cayman. 

Serpents. Various kinds; the most remarkable of which is the 
rattle-snake, which is found only in North and South America. 

Birds. The most remarkable bird of North America is the wild 
turkey; it is peculiar to this country, and is the original stock 
whence the tame turkeys have sj)rung. The mocking-bird of the 
Southern Stales is one of the sweetest singers among the whole 
tribe of melodious birds. The whippoorwill is peculiar to this 
country. In general, there is a great resemblance between the 
birds of Europe and North America. Parrots and parroquets are 
found in Mexico. One species of parrot is found in the United 
States. 

After the discovery of America, the various nations of Europe 
sent expeditions to the New World, to take possession of the lands 
they might discover or conquer. Paying little regard to the rights 
of the native occupants, they settled upon the lands, and without 
scruple appropriated them to their own use. North America fell 
chiefly into the possession of the Spanish, French, and English. 
Mexico, then inhabited by a numerous and partly civilized people, 
was conquered by Fernando Cortes, a Spanish general, by blood¬ 
shed, treachery, and murder. This country remained subject to 
the Spanish yoke till its independence, which has recently been 
achieved. 

The middle portions of the country came into the possession of 
the English, and are now embraced in the United States. A part 
of the territory of the United States has been purchased since the 
independence of that country. Florida, which belonged to Spain, 
was purchased in 1821. The whole of the vast territory lying 
west of the Mississi})pi, to the Pacific ocean, now including the 
states of Louisiana and Missouri, and the territories of Arkansas, 
Missouri and Oregon, was purchased of France in 1803, for 
15,000,000 of dollars. It then had the general name of Louisiana. 

The French settlements in America were chiefly confined to the 
vicinity of the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi. Their northern 
possessions were conquered by the British in 1759. The dominion 
of this part of North America was thus transferred from France to 
Great Britain. Since that period, British America has continued 
subject to the British government. The other French settlements 
passed under the government of the United States after the purchase 
of Louisiana. 


what happened after the discovery of America!* What did the Europeans do? Into whose 
hands did North America cliiefly fall? What of Mexico? What portion of North America 
came into the hands of the English? What of the United States? Florida? Territory for¬ 
merly called Louisiana? The northern settlements of the French in North America? ' The 
French settlements alotig the Mississippi? 



WEST INDIES. 


101. 


The history of America, previous to its discovery by the Euro¬ 
peans, we cannot penetrate. They found it inhabited by various 
tribes, most of whom were wandering savages. The most civil¬ 
ized among them had no books. The traditions among the Indians 
furnish some obscure hints, but these are vague and uncertain. 
There are some remarkable monuments in the western parts of the 
United States, having somewhat the appearance of fortifications. 
They evidently belonged to a remote age, and a nation now passed 
into oblivion. It is quite possible, that this continent has been the 
theatre of great events, long before it was trodden by a European 
foot. Empires may have risen, flourished, and fallen, whose history 
is eternally blotted out from human record. But of all this we 
know nothing. 

In various parts of North America, the bones of remarkable ani¬ 
mals, now extinct, have been found imbedded in the earth. An al¬ 
most complete skeleton of an animal several times larger than the 
elephant, was dug up a few years since near Newburgh in the 
State of New York, and is now preserved in the museum in Phila¬ 
delphia. The bones of animals still larger have also been discover¬ 
ed. It appears probable that, at a very remote period, whole races 
of animals, difl’erent from any existing in any part of the world, and 
far surpassing the elephant and rhinoceroos in magnitude, once 
roamed in the forests of North America. Of such animals, the In¬ 
dians have some traditions. 


102. WEST INDIES. 

Map of the Atlantic Ocean. Where are the West Indies? Which of these islands are the 
faitlii'st north? Which is farthest east? South? West? Which is the largest of the West 
Indies? Which is tlie next largest? The next? The next? Which way is Cuba from Mexi¬ 
co? From New Orleans? Washington? New York? Boston? Which way is Jamaica 
from Cuba? Hayti from Cuba? Trinidad? Curacoa? Guadaloupe? Tobago? Pine is¬ 
land? What is "the capital of Cuba? Jamaica? Hayti? Curacoa? Where is Port au 
Prince? St. Salvador? St. Jago? Where are the Bermudas? In what direction from Bos¬ 
ton? New Yoix? Charleston? Savannah? Cuba? ^ 

% 

103. WEST INDIES, continued. 

The climate of these islands is in summer extremely hot, op¬ 
pressive, and unhealthy. In winter it is delightful. In the au¬ 
tumn, hurricanes are frequent; they are so terrible as to destroy 
many ships, and sometimes do great injury to towns and villages. 
The seasons are divided into wet and dry; spring and autumn being 
the rainy seasons. Thunder and lightning are common, and 
earthquakes are occasionally felt. Snow and ice are never known 
in these islands. The soil of most of them is very fruitful. 


Wh;i( of ihe hiitory of North America previous to its discovery by the Europeans? What 
of the ari.;iaal inhabitants? Their traditions? 

The western monuments? What is possible? What of animal remains in North America? 
A rem irkaltle skeletoni* What is probalde? Traditions of the Indians respecting these ani- 
Kials? Lei ihe teacher examine the pupil in Table No. 7, 8, anil 9. 

103. What is the climate of the West Indies? Seasons? Whal of hurricanes? Thunder 
and jiglitning? Eaithijuakes^ Soil? 


9* 






102 


COLOMBIA. 


The sugar-cane is the principal article of cultivation. From 
this, sugar, rum, and molasses are made, which constitute the 
chief articles of export, and on account of which the trade of 
these islands is esteemed of great importance both* in Europe and 
America. The following is a picture of slaves making sugar and 
nolasses from sugar-cane. 



The other products are cotton, cocoa, indigo, coffee, ginger, cin¬ 
namon, and cloves. The fruits are oranges, lemons, limes, pine¬ 
apples, figs, pomegranates, and many others. These delicious 
fruits are as abundant in the West Indies, as pears, apples, and 
peaches are in the Middle States. 

Nearly seven-eighths of the inhabitants of these islands are blacks, 
and chiefly slaves, who perform nearly all the labor. Many of the 
whites are planters, who possess large estates, their lands being 
cultivated by their slaves. All these islands belong to European 
governments, except Hayti. This was formerly in the possession 
of France' and Spain; but, within a few years, the black inhabitants 
have revolted, expelled the whites, and established an independent 
government. Table No. 7, embraces the most important of these 
islands. 

The Bermuda islands, though not belonging to the West Indies, 
may be mentioned here. They lie about 800 miles off the coast 
of Carolina. They are in the possession of the British. 

104. COLOMBIA. 

Mnp o f the Atlantic Ocean. Where is Colombia? In what direction is it from New Eng 
land? In what direction is Santa Fe de Bogota, from Washington? From New Orleans.^ 
Ilavanna? i\lexico? 


Productions? What is manufactured from sugar-cane? 

What of the inhabitants of the West Indies? What of the planters? To whom do these 
islands belong? What of Hayti? 

Capital of Cuba? Population of Cuba? What government does it belong to? Let the 
pupil here answer the questions on Table No. 7. What of the Bermuda isles? 












COLOMBIA 


103 


Map of South America, How is Colombia bounded? Where is cape St, Francisco? 
Cape Vela? Cape Corientes? Where is the eulf of Darien? Gulf of Maracaybo? Where 
Is the bay of Panama? Where is lake Maracaydio? What, mountains in Colombia? In what 
part of Colombia are the Andes? In what dirtJc<ion does the ran^e of the Andes run? Where 
is Chimborazo? Cotopaxi? What of the Oiinoco? Apures? Meta? Cauca? Magdalena' 
Amazon? Rio Negro? 

What is the capital of Colombia? Where is Santa Fe de Bogota? Caraccas? Guaraqiiil? 
Panama? Cumana^ Carthagena? Porto Bello? Maracaybo? Popayan? What city lie* 
in Colombia under the equator? 


105. COLOMBIA, continued. 

In the western part of Colombia, the face of the country is 
mountainous. Lofty ranges traverse the country, presenting the 
most stupendous mountain scenery. East of the Andes, along the 
Orinoco, and its branches, the country spreads out into vast plains. 
In the rainy seasons, the Orinoco overflows its banks, and the plains 
are sometimes inundated to a great extent. 

In the low countries, the climate is hot, and, in parts, unhealthy. 
The temperature of summer prevails here throughout the year; the 
trees, shrubs, and plants, being at all times in a state of verdure. 
Among the mountains, the climate varies according to the elevation; 
their summits are clothed in perpetual winter. In less elevated 
parts, the temperature is that of spring: here the climate is delight¬ 
ful, and subject to little variation throughout the year. 

The valleys among the mountains are very fertile; the plains are 
also fertile, and produce good crops of cotton, tobacco, corn, coffee, 
and fruits of various kinds. The country along the banks of the 
Orinoco affords pasturage for immense herds of wild cattle. The 
condor, a species of vulture ana the largos'^ bird of flight that is 



known, is an inhabitant of the mountains. The boa, a monstrous 


105. Face of the country in Colombia? What hapjiens on the banks of the Orinoco during 
the rainv seasons? Climate in the plains? In the higher parts? What of the soil? Produc¬ 
tions? 'What is afforded by the country along the Orinoco? What large bird inhabits the 
Andes? What great serpent in Colombia? 











104 


COLOMBIA 


species of serpent, is found in the plains. The jag-uar, a' powerful 
animal of the cat kind, is common. The preceding picture repre¬ 
sents some of these animals in the foreground. In the background 
are volcanic mountains. 

The mountains of Colombia are rich in gold and silver; there 
are also mines of copper, platina, lead, and emeralds. The Andes 
abound in objects that astonish the beholder. The volcanoes are 
truly sublime. Cotopaxi, which rises to the elevation of nearly 
four miles above the level of the sea, is the loftiest volcanic moun¬ 
tain in the world. Its top is in the form of a cone, and is always 
covered with snow. Its explosions are frequent and terrible. The 
flames have been known to rise 8000 feet above the crater, and its 
roar has been heard at the distance of 600 miles. 

Chimborazo, a little more than four miles in height, above the 
level'of the sea, is the highest peak of the Andes. When viewed 
from the Pacific ocean, it presents a scene grand and beautiful be¬ 
yond description. Fifteen miles from Santa Fe de Bogota is the 
cataract of Tequendama., Here, the river Bogota, at two bounds, 
plunges to the depth of 600 feet into an unfathomable gulf. The 
vapor that rises is seen at the city of Santa Fe, jiresenting all the 
colors of the rainbow. Nothing, indeed, can exceed the wildness 
and sublimity of this waterfall. 

Not far from the city of Cumana is a remarkable cave, several 
miles in length, w’hich is the resort of thousands of nocturnal birds. 
On the route from Santa Fe to Popayan, are the natural bridges of 
Icononzo. One of them presents an arch extending across a cliasrn 
300 feet in depth. 

Santa Fe de Bogota, the seat of government, is handsomely 
built, and is situated in the midst of a broad and fruitful plain, 
which rises 8,000 feet above the level of the sea. I'he population 
is 50,000. Quito, the largest city in Colombia, is built on the side 
of a volcanic mountain, at the extraordinary elevation of 9,500 
feet above the level of the sea. The grandeur of the mountain 
scenery in its vicinity surpasses description. From the situation 
of this city, so near the equator, we should ex})ect that it would 
have a burning and oppressive climate, but, in consequence of its 
great elevation, the air is cool and delightful. The place is subject, 
however, to tempests, and violent thunder-storms. The population 
is 70,000. 

Caraccas, situated in a valley near the northern coast, is memo¬ 
rable for the earthquake of 1812. This destroyed a portion of the 
city, by shaking the buildings to the ground, burying 12,000 of the 
inhabitants in the ruins. 

Within about ten years, Colombia has become independent, hav- 

What animal of the cal kind? Describe the picture. What of the minerals? What of 
Cotopaxi? Chimborazo? Cataract of Tequendama? Cave near Cnmana? Natural bridget 
of Icononzo? What of Santa Fe de Bo 2 ;oia? Popialation? What of Quito? lu elevnlk^ii? 
Its population? What of Caiaccas^ VVhat of the joverument^ Inhal)ilaut*.^ 




GUIANA. 


105 


ing- thrown otf the dominion of Spain, to which it was previously 
subject. The lorni of government is republican. The population 
of Colombia is about 3,000,000, consisting of whites, Indians, and 
negroes. 

106. GUIANA. 

Map pf the Atlantic Ocean. In what direction from New England? Cuba? Mexico? 

Map cj South Ameri-n. Boundaries? Rivers? What of Demarara? Essequibo? Where 
is the town of Stabroek? Direction from Quito? Where is Paramaribo? Cay enne? 

107. GUIANA, CONTINUED. 

Guiana is divided into three parts; the eastern part belongs to 
the French, the middle to the Dutch, and the western to the Eng¬ 
lish. The interior is still in the possession of tribes of native In¬ 
dians. The country along the coast only, is occupied by the 
whitevS. Guiana is a low, liat region, with a hot climate. It is, 
however, exceedingly fertile. Sugar, coffee, cotton, cocoa, maize, 
and indigo, are produced in great abundance. There is also a pro¬ 
fusion of various delicious fruits. The orange and lemon trees, 
with many others, are at all times in bloom, and loaded with ripe 
and ripening fruit. It is on account of the great fertility of this 
spot, that it is valued by the European governments. The pojiu- 
lation is 250,000, of whom only 20,000 are whites; the rest being 
negro slaves, who perform nearly all the labor. 

Guiana is subject to annual inundations during the rainy season; 
the rivers, swollen by continual rains, overflow their banks; forests, 



trees, shrubs, and parasitical plants, seem to float upon the water. 


107. flow is Guiana divided? Where is French Guiana? Dutcli Guiana? Enelish Gui¬ 
ana? What of tlie interior? What part do the Europeans occupy? What of the surface 
of the country? Its climate? Fertility? Productions? Fruits? What induces the Euro¬ 
pean governments to keep poisession of it? To what is Guiana su))jett^ Desciil)e an inunda- 
tiun in Guiana. 










106 


PERU 


Quadrupeds are forced to take shelter in the highest trees; large 
lizards, agoutis, and peccaries quit their dens, now filled with water, 
and remain among the branches. Aquatic birds spring upon the 
trees, to avoid the alligators and serpents that infest the tempo¬ 
rary lakes. The fishes forsake their ordinary food, and live upon 
the fruits and berries of the shrubs, among which they swim: the 
crab is found upon the trees, and the oyster multiplies in the forest. 
The Indian, who surve 3 ’^s from his canoe this confusion of earth and 
sea, suspends his hammock on an elevated branch, and sleeps with¬ 
out fear in the midst of so great apparent danger. The preceding 
picture represents this scene. 

Stabroek, the capital of English Guiana, is situated on the De- 
marara river. Pop. 8,000. Paramaribo, the capital of Dutch 
Guiana, is a beautiful city on the Surinam river, with regular 
streets, adorned with orange and lemon trees always in bloom. 
Pop. 20,000. Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, is situated 
on an island of the same name, and is well defended by fortifica¬ 
tions. Pop. 2,000. 

108. PERU. 

M tp of the Atlantic Ocean. Direction from New England^ Cuba? New Orleans? 
New Vork? 

Map of South America. Boundaries? What mountains traverse Pern? In what direc¬ 
tion do (lie Andes cross Peru? In what part of Peru are the Andes? What is the capital? 
Where is Lima? Direction from Quito? Where is Curxo? Arequipa? Guamanga? Callao? 
Truxillo? 'What of the Ucayale river^ Maranon? Alto? Apurimac? 

109. PERU, CONTINUED. 

Peru stretches along the shore of the Pacific ocean, for more 
than a thousand miles. The Andes extend across the country 
in two nearly jiarallel ranges, called the eastern and western Cor¬ 
dilleras. The country between the Pacific ocean and the western 
range nowhere exceeds 40 or 50 miles in width; this is called Low 
Peru, and consists of sandy, barren plains. High Peru lies between 
the two ranges of mountains, and consists of table lands, 8000 feet 
above the level of the sea. This region is interspersed with moun¬ 
tains and valleys, the latter being very fertile. Between the east¬ 
ern Cordilleras and the boundary of Brazil, the country is called 
Interior Peru, and consists chiefly of plains, called Pampas.- These 
have an undulating surface, and are covered with coarse grass. 
T'ney resemble the prairies of the Western States; the vegeta¬ 
tion is, however, coarser, and they are less fertile. 

Peru, lying under the equator, possesses every variety of climate. 


Describe the picture. What is the population of Guiana? How many are whites? What are 
4hc rest? VVOiat of Stabroe^? Paramaribo? Cayenne? 

l09, Wliat is the extent of Peru fiom nortli to south? How do the Andes cross Pern? 
How are they divided? Where is Lower Peru? Upjier Peru? Interior Peru? Face of 
the country in Lower Peru? lu Upper- Peru? Interior Peru? describe the Pampa*. 



PERD. 


107 


Tilp of the mountains are covered with perpetual snow, '1 
here wiiiter reigns with as stern an aspect as in Greenland. Lower 
down, tlie plants which are common to tem})erate regions are seen 
to flourish. Between the mountains in Interior Peru, the climate 
is that of perpetual spring. In Low Peru, the temperature is 
always that of summer. 

The productions of Peru are cotton, sugar, grain, and Peruvian 
hark. It possesses rich mines of silver and gold, likewise copper, 
mercury, and lead. Earthquakes are not uncommon. The earth¬ 
quake which happened at Lima in 1786 was one of the most 
destructive earthquakes on record. It lasted several weeks. The 
city was almost destroyed, and many of the inhabitants lost their 
lives. The port of Callao was completely demolished; 24 vessels 
were sunk, and the fragments of three others were thrown by the 
rise of the waters beyond the beach. Out of 4000 persons in 
Callao, 200 only escaped; 1300 individuals perished at Lima, and 
many others were maimed or wounded. The picture represents a 
scene during this earthquake. 



Peru was conquered by Pizarro, a Spanish general, about 1532. 
It was at that time a populous country. From its conquest it 
ren\ained subject to Spain, till within a few years, when the inhabi¬ 
tants asserted their independence, and adopted a republican form 
of government. 

Lima, the capital, is situated in the midst of a beautiful valley, a 
few miles from the Pacific ocean. It is a handsome city, enjoys a 
perpetual summer climate, and is remarkable for the costly magnifi¬ 
cence of its churches. The people are distinguished for their rich 
eijuipages and sumptuous habits in dress. Callao is a sea})ort on the 
Pacific^ seven miles from Lima; through this port, the commerce 

Debcribe the climate of Peru; soil; wrodiictions; mines; earthquakes; the earthquake at 
Lisna. Desf.rihe Ike picture. tVUat <A the history of Peru? Of tlie government^’ What 
of Li.iia^ Callao^ 











103 


BRAZIL. 


of Peru, of Avhich Lima is the centre, is carried on. Population 
of Lima, 60,000. 

Cuzco is remarkable for the monuments which still exist of its 
former greatness. Before South America was conquered bv the 
Spaniards, this city was the seat of the empire of the Indian kings, 
or princes called Incas. The Peruvians had made considerable 
progress in the arts of civilisation. The temple of the sun, in 
which they conducted their worship, and many other edifices, were 
truly magnificent. The population is 30,000. Arequipa and 
Guamanga are large towns. Guanca Velica, situated 12,000 feet 
above the level of the sea, is famous for its mines of quicksilver. 

110. BRAZIL. 

Map of the Atlantic Ocean. Direction of Brazil from New England? New York? From 
where vou are? Direction of Rio Janeiro from Philadelphia? Washington? Mouth of the 
Colutnhia river? Mexico? Cuba? 

Map of South America. Boundaries? Where is lake de los Palos? Where is Joannes 
island? St. Catharine’s isle? Where is cape St. Roque? Cape Frio? Cape Nortli? Cape 
Orange? 

Capital? Where is Rio Janeiro? Direction from Quito? Lima? Stahroek? "Where is 
St. Salvador? Pernambuco? Cuiaha? Villa Rica? Villa Boa? Tejuco? Para? St. 
Paul? Olinda? Scarra? What of the Amazon river? Paraguay? Parana? St. P'rancisco? 
Madeira? Tocantins? Tapajos? Xingu? 


111. BRAZIL, CONTINUED. 

The empire of Brazil is a country of vast extent, and is greatly 
celebrated for its fertility and beauty. It extends about 2,300 miles 
from north to south, and nearly 2,000 miles from east to west. 
This region comprehends about two-fil’ths of South America, and 
is somewhat larger than the Avhole of the United States. Its 
population, howev^er, is very inadequate to its extent, being esti¬ 
mated at only four millions, and these are chiefly confined to the 
coasts and mining districts; this calculation excludes, however, 
numerous tribes of Indians, of whom very little is known. 

Viewed irom the sea, Brazil appears, on its first aspect, moun¬ 
tainous, rough, and unequal; but on a nearer approach, no prospect 
can be more picturesque and agreeable than that which it presents; ^ 
its eminences being covered with magnificent woods, and its valleys 
with eternal green. The interior of the country, for the most 
part, is one vast forest; near the centre, however, is an immense 
sandy plain, called Campos Parexis. This plain, near the middle, 
rises into chains of mountains which are among the highest in 
Brazil. It is from this mountainous district, and the eastern 
declivity of the Andes, that those great rivers proceed which finally 
pour their waters into the Atlantic. 


What of Cuzco? Arequipa? Guamanga? Guanca Velica? 

111. Wliat of the empire of Brazil? Length? Breadth^ What portion of South America 
does it comprehend? flow large, compared with the United States? What of population^ 
Describe Brazil. What of the interior'’ What plain near the centre? What of mountains/ 
Rivers'* 




BRAZIL. 


109 


In a country so extensive as Brazil, there must be great varieties, 
both as to climate and productions. With the exception of the 
j ridges of mountains, and the plain of Campos Parexis, the country 
1 is generally characterized by an excess of vegetation. The dense 
) forests mitigate the heat of summer; but, at the same time, render 
I the air humid and unhealthy. The forest trees grow to a great size. 

Creeping and parasitical plants are so entivined with the trees, that 
j a Brazilian forest is almost impenetrable. These forests swarm 
I with insects, and abound Avith Avild beasts, monkeys, parrots, 
parroquets, and other birds of the most brilliant plumage. The 
Avoods are filled Avdih aromatic plants, Avhose perfumes are often 
wafted many leagues to sea. 

The climate of Brazil is for the most part that of perpetual 
summer. In the low and marshy districts, the excessive heat ren¬ 
ders them unhealthy. Among the mountains and elevated plains, 
the air is cool and delightful. 

In the district immediately back of Rio Janeiro, is the highest 
ground in Brazil. These mountains are totally distinct from the 
Andes, consisting not of rock, but of sand. The surface is destitute 
of almost every species of vegetation; but in the beds of the rivers 
which floAV from this district, diamonds, topazes, chrysoberyls, and 
other precious stones are found. Gold is also found in the same 
ridge mixed with the sand; a boAvl full of this can be Avashed by a 
man in an hour, producing gold to the value of about a shilling. 

A fine portion of Brazil is that opposite the small island of St. 
Catharine. The A’-ale of Picada, in this district, is full of orange 
and coffee groves, and studded with Avhite cottages of great neat¬ 
ness. The plain of Corriteva, behind the mountains in this part 
of Brazil, extends to the source apd near to the banks of the 
Parana, and is, perhaps, the most fe’rtile and beautiful plain in the 
AAmrld. From this plain, the capital, and many other towns on the 
coast, are supplied Avith mules and cattle. They are of excellent 
quality, and there is no .limit to their number. 

The district of Bahia, in Avhich St. Salvador is situated, is one 
*of the best in Brazil, in a mercantile point of view. The soil is 
rich, and produces great quantities both of sugar-cane and tobacco, 
together AAnth considerable indigo; but the* last is of an inferior 
quality. The timber in the interior, about Bahia, is Avell adapted 
for ship-building, and is extensively used for that purpose. 

The district of Pernambuco, to the north of Bahia, produces 
immense quantities of cotton, as also dye-AVOods, sugar, coffee, and 
rice. The country, from cape St. Roque to Guiana, resembles, in 


How U the country generally characterized? The forests? Forest trees? AVliat ren¬ 
der the forests almost unpenetrable? What animals in the forests? AVhat of aromatic 
plants? Describe the climate. What of the mountains immediately back of Rio J.iuciro? 
what of precious stones? Gold? Describe the vale of Picada. What of the plain of 
Corriteva^ What of the mules and cattle? The district of Bahia? The soil? Productions? 
Timber^ District of Pernambuco^ Describe the country from cane St. Roque to Guiana. 

10 









110 


BOLIVIA. 


most of its features, the latter country, except that the air is not 
so moist. 

Rio Janeiro, the capital of Brazil, is a large city, containing 
about 150,000 inhabitants; its situation is singularly picturesque. 
That part of the city which lies low is unhealthy, and the streets are 
filthy, but the buildings upon the eminences are airy and delightful. 
The churches are loaded with costly decorations, and the people 
are fond of parade, processions, and pompous religious ceremonies. 

Pernambuco is a place of large trade, the chief article of which 
is cotton. Population, 60,000. St. Salvador, or Bahia, is also a 
large and important place, exhibiting splendid edifices contrasted 
with dirty streets and very mean houses. Population, 120,000. 

Tejuco is the capital of the diamond district. The diamond 
mines here are the principal in the western continent, and belong 
to the government of Brazil. Cuiaba, Villa Boa, and Villa Rica, 
are famous for their gold mines. 

Brazil was formerly a province belonging to the king of Portugal. 
Don Pedro, the former sovereign of that country, removed to Bra¬ 
zil, over which he reigned, till a recent period, with the title of em¬ 
peror, having resigned the sovereignty of Portugal. He has now 
returned to Europe, and the government is in an unsettled-state. 

The prevailing religion of Brazil is Roman Catholic. There is 
a great contrast between the rich and poor in this-country. The 
European settlers are in general gay, and fond of pleasure, yet ex¬ 
tremely observant of the ceremonies appropriated to the Virgin 
Mary, whose effigies are stuck up in a glass case at every corner. 
Cloaks and swords are sometimes worn by the men. The country 
people, who are not engaged in mining, live in small mud cottages 
covered with tiles or leaves. Hammocks usually supply the place 
of beds, and not unfrequently are substitutes for chairs. The best 
cottages are furnished with a table, but it is more usual for the 
family, at meal times, to sit upon a mat in a circle on the floor, with 
the dishes in the centre. 


112. BOLIVIA. 

Map 0 ^ the Atlantic Ocean. Direction from New England? Direction of Potosi from 
New York? Boston? Mexico? Cuba? 

Map of South America. Boundaries? What mountains in B.? In what direction do the 
Andes cross Bolivia? What desert in B.? What lake in B.? What is the capital? Where 
is Potosi? Direction from Santa Fe de Bogota? Rio Janeiro? Lima? Stabroek? Where 
is Chuquisaca or La Plata? Pilcomayo? La Paz? What of the Paraguay river? Bianco? 
Mamore? 


113. BOLIVIA, CONTINUED. 

The range of the Andes crosses the southwestern part of Bo- 

What of Rio Janeiro? Streets? Churches? People? Pernambuco? St. Salvador? Te¬ 
juco? Diamond mines? What towns famous for thei^old mines? What was Brazil formerly? 
What of Don Pedro? Government of Brazil? Religion? Describe the European settler* 
The country people? 

113. What of the Andes m Bolivia? 




BOLIVIA. 


Ill 




I livia. These with other elevations give a rough and mountainous 
character to the western part of this country. In the northeastern 
! portions, there are,extensive valleys, and the eastern portions are 
sandy plains. The climate is cold and variable on the high grounds; 

I on the plains it is mild and salubrious. Between the Andes and the 
' ocean lies the desert of Atacama; this is a dreary wilderness, 300 
; miles in length, totally destitute of vegetation, and upon which 
I there is said not to be one living thing. Among the mountains 
' there are some fertile valleys; those in which Cochabamba, Tarija 
and Charcas are situated, are exceedingly fruitful, abounding in 
grain and wine 



The mines in Bolivia are the principal sources of its wealth. 

: The silver mines of Potosi have been the richest in South America. 
I Lake Titicaca, 240 miles in circumference, is situated between two 
I of the Cordilleras, and enclosed by surrounding mountains. One 
! of the islands in this lake was inhabited by Manco Capac, the first 
I inca of Peru, who was supposed to have received here his divine 
ji commission to become legislator of that country. 

Potosi is situated on the southern declivity of a mountain, in 
i which are the celebrated mines. The silver mines are said to have 
been first discovered by a slave, who was climbing the mountain in 
( pursuit of a wild animal. Its population increased so rapidly after 
I its mines were made known, that in about 1640 it contained 
160,000 persons. From various causes the population is now re¬ 
duced to 25,000. The immense wealth of its mines, which annu¬ 
ally amount to several millions of dollars, renders it, however, a 


What of the face of the country in the western part of Bolivia? In the northeastern part? 
The eastern part? Climate? What of the desert of Atacama? What parts of Bolivia are 
fertile? What parts abound in wine and grain? The mines of Bolivia? Those of Potosi? 
What of lake Titicaca? How were the silver mines first discovered^ What of the oopulation 
of Potosi^ The mines’ 















112 


DNITEP PROVINCES 


place of great importance, and the centre of trade for the eastern 
provinces. The preceding picture gives a view among the mines 

La Paz is surrounded with sublime and beautiful scenery. Its 
chief article of trade is matte or Paraguay tea, of which a syrup 
is made, much used by the miners. Pop. 20,000. Oropeza is a 
larffe town, situated in a district which for its fertility has been 
called the Granary of Peru. Tarija is the capital of Chicas, a 
country abounding in grain and wine. In 1825, Bolivia became an 
independent country, with a republican government, being named 
after the celebrated Simon Bolivar. It was once a part of Peru» 
and subject to Spain. It afterwards formed a part of the United 
Provinces. 

114. UNITED PROVINCES. 

Map of the Atlantic Ocean. Direction from New England? Direction of Buenos Ayres 
from New York? Washington? Mexico? 

Map rf South America. Boundaries? What range of mountains separates the United 
Provinces from (Uiili? Where is Salt lake^ Anegada bay? VV'^here is cape St. Marie^ 
Coricnles? Cape St. Antonio? 

What is the capital? Where is Buenos Ayres? Direction from Santa Fe de Bogota.^ 
Lima? Potosi? llio Janeiro? Where is Montevideo? Santa Fe? Corientes? Corcfova.^ 
Mendoza? Kioja? Assumption? M'hat of the Kio de la Plata nver^ Uraguay? Paraguay^ 
Pilcomayo? Verinejo^ Salado^ Yuanes^ Willows? 

115. UNITED PROVINCES, continued. 

The northern portion of the LTnited Provinces, including a great 
part of the territory, is still in the possession of the native Indians, 
and is imperfectly known. That part which is occupied by the 
whites, is divided into provinces. The western part of the country 
bordering upon the Andes is mountainous. The countries which 
lie between the Paraguay and Bolivia, extending into the middle 
regions of the United Provinces, consist of arid plains, impregnated 
with salt, sandy deserts, and pestilent marshes. Along the riverft, 
the soil is more fertile; and in some places is well adapted to indigo, 
cotton, and Indian corn; in others, there are forests, which pro¬ 
duce vast quantities of wild honey. 

The country on the east of the Paraguay is a fine, undulating, 
fertile region; immediately around Buenos Ayres, it is very fertile. 
To the west and south, extending to Patagonia, is the dreary level 
of the Pampas, which spreads out like a sea, presenting nothing 
but its crop of coarse, high grass to the view. The length of this 
plain is 1500 miles, and the width 500 miles. 

The lands in the United Provinces are chiefly devoted to the 
raising of cattle. Immense herds of horses and cattle may be seen 


Describe the picture. WhatofLaPaz? Oropeza? Tarija? Government of Bolivia? History? 

115. What of the northern portion of the United Provinces? Of that portion occupied by 
tlie whites? Wlial part of tlie United Provinces is mountainous? What part consists of arid 
plains, marshes, &,c.? W'hat of the soil .along the rivers in this district? What is produced in 
the forests here? What of the country east of the Paraguay? Of the country immediatelv 
m-ound Buenos Avre*^ Wliat of the Pampas? To whai mi; the lands chieJlv devoted ia tiu 
Uaittd ProTinces? 



UNITED PROVINCES 


113 


in a wild state on the Pampas and the plains. The people take 
these animals with a rope called a lasso. This has a noose at the 
end, and is thrown by men on horseback with such unerring^ skill, 
that the noose invariably catches the animal by the neck or leg, 
according to the intention of the thrower. The engraving repre¬ 
sents a scene of this kind. 



Hides, tallow and wool, are produced in the United Provinces in 
abundance; various kinds of grain, tobacco, sugar, wine, and fruits, 
a'-e {)lentiful. Paraguay tea, or matte, which is much used in South 
America, is also cultivated to a considerable extent. The mines of 
gold, silver, copper, and lead, are also prolific. 

Buenos Ayres, situated at about 200 miles from the sea, may be 
considered as the only port of the United Provinces. Few ships 
can reach it, the river being full of rocks and shallows; large vessels 
unlade about ten miles from the city, and their cargoes are trans¬ 
ferred to lighter vessels, which enter the town by the Buenos Ayres 
river. It is seated in the middle of a plain, on the south side of the 
La Plata. It is regularly built, and well fortified. Its streets are 
broad and well paved. Pop. 80,000. 

Mendo'/a is situated on the Andes, and the most convenient pass 
over the mountains runs through it. Pop. 8,000. Cordova, in the 
interior, is noted for its mules. St. Juan is celebrated for its trade 
in brandy. Tucuman is famous for its college and cathedral. 

The United Provinces, like the other South American republics, 
was dej)endant upon Spain, but it has thrown off the yoke, and 
adopted a free government. The province of Paraguay has been 
for several years under the direction of Dr. Francia, who rules 


Whiit may be seen on the Pampas and plains? How are the wild cattle and horses caught? 
Describe the picture. What are the productions of the United Provinces? What' of 
niattu'* What of the mines? What of Buenos Ayres? Mendoza? Cordova? Tucuman? 
What of the government of the United Provinces? Dr. Francia? 

10* 
















114 


OIIILI 


with absolute aiithorlty, and rigidly excludes all foreigners ftom 
his dominions. 


116. CHILI. 

Mnp of the Atlantic Orean. Direction from New England? Direction of Santiago from 
Wa<liington? New York? Astoria? Mexico? 

Map of South Anienca. Boundaries? Where is the island of Chiloe? Where is Mocha 
island? Juan Fernandez? Massafuero? St. Felix islands? Where is point Coquimbo? 
What is the capital? Where is Santiago? Direction from Buenos Ayres? Rio Janeiro^ 
Lima? Potosi? Where is Valparaiso? Conception? Copiapo? Valdivia? El Juncal? 

117. CHILI, CONTINUED. 

Chili seems completely insulated from the rest of the world. On 
one side is the ocean; to the north, for a considerable distance be¬ 
tween Peru and Chili, the Andes touch the coast, and form a natu¬ 
ral barrier of precipices and snowy summits, with dreary wastes 
between. The ridges of the Andes on the east, between Chili and 
the United Provinces, are lofty and abrupt, and 14 of the peaks are 
volcan^'es. To the south, the regions of Patagonia are wild and 
mountainous. 

Chili may be described as a narrow plain or beach running along 
the sea, from which an elevated plain arises, which extends east to 
tlie Andes. The shape of the territory is long and narrow, being 
about 1,500 miles in length, and not over 200 miles at the greatest 
width. The climate of this country is healthy and delightful. In 
the northern portions, it seldom, and in some places, it is said, never 
rains; dews, however, are abundant. In the south, rains are fre¬ 
quent, The tops of the Andes are covered with perpetual snow; 
on the coast, snow never falls. Chili is crossed by about 70 small, 
rapid rivers, which descend from the Andes, giving great fertility 
to the soil. The principal rivers are the Salado, the Juncal, and 
the Valdivia. 

The country has luxuriant pastures, the grass of which is so tall 
as to hide the"cattle, of which there are numerous herds. Grain, 
sugar, cotton, oil, wine, and fruits, are produced in abundance, 
among which are apples and peaches of extraordinary size, some 
of the latter weighing sixteen ounces.’ The cedars of the Andes 
rival those of Lebanon; and the fruits and vegetables are of the 
choicest description. The myrtle attains the height of 40 or 50 
feet, and the olive equals the largest trees in our forests. 

The seasons are remarkably uniform in Chili: no part of the 
world is, indeed, more favorable to human life and enjoyment; and 
further cultivation alone is wanting to make it the paradise of the 
American continent. From May to September, the winter of the 
Chilian year, the wind blows from the north, accompanied by rain; 

117. Whv (lop< (Uiili seem insulated from the rest of the world? How may Chili he de- 
•criheil? Its shape? Length? Width? Climate? Rivers in Chili? The three principal? 
Its iiastiiies? Productions'’ Fruits? Cedars? Myrtle’’ Olive? Seasons? What of the 
winds in CJnii? 



I CHILI. 115. 

during the rest of the year, the wind is from the south, and is 
1 dry. 

The mines of copper in Chili are very productive; those of gold 
and silver are situated in the snowy summits of the Andes, and the 
I working of them is alike difficult and dangerous, from the situation, 

I the extreme cold, the violent storms, and the frequent earthquakes. 

The gold and silver of Chili, like those of most other parts of 
, South America, were the first objects that attracted the -curiosity 
! and cupidity of Europeans; but, compared with the produce of 
I the soil, they are obtained at great peril, and small profit. 

Santiago, the capital, is situated about 90 miles from the coast, 
and is bounded on one side by a hill, and on the other by a large 
plain. It is the centre of all the internal traffic of the country, and 
has 40,000 inhabitants. Its streets are wide and well paved, and 
1 the public buildings are large and handsome. It is well stored with 
every species of merchandise. The inhabitants are gay, hospitable, 
and fond of music and dancing. The following picture represents 
a party of Chilians engaged in dancing, which is a favorite national 
amusement. 


j 

I 


Valparaiso is the principal commercial city in Chili; it is very 
flourishing, and has of late years attracted most of the settlers. It 
stands at the base of a steep hill. Pop. probably 10,000. Con¬ 
ception is situated on one of the finest bays in South America. 
I Population about 10,000. Valdivia has the safest and largest 
'I harbor on the western coast, and is strongly fortified. Chilian, 
] Coquimbo, Copiapo, St. Fernando, and Petorca are the other most 
j important towns. 


i Copper niiiiesi’ Gold and silver mines? What first attracted the curiosity of the Euro 
j peaiis? What of the produce of the mines as compared wiili the produce of the soil? 

' What of Santiago? Its streets? Buddings? Inliabilanis? Describe the picture. What of 
Valparaiso? Concepliou' Valdivia’’ What other important towusi* 










116 


PATAGONIA. 


* The island of Chiloe is 180 miles long. There are numerous 
islands about it, the group being called the Archipelago of Chiloe. 
The island of Juan Fernandez is remarkable for having been the 
residence of Alexander Selkirk, a Scotch sailor, who lived there 
several years, with no other companions than the animals which he 
tamed. His adventures gave rise to the interesting romance of 
Robinson Crusoe. 

The southern part of Chili is occupied by the Araucanian 
Indians, a tribe, brave, warlike and fond of liberty, whom the 
Spaniards for three centuries vainly endeavored to subdue. 

Chili, formerly a Spanish province, declared itself independent in 
1818, and has recently formed a republican government. 

118. PATAGONIA. 

Map of the Atlantic Ocean. Direction from New England'’ Mexico? Cuba? 

Map of South America. Boundaries? Where are the straits of Magellan? Cape Blanco? 
Cape Si. Lucia? St. George’s bay? St. Mathias bay? What of the Cainarones river? 
Rio Negro? Port Desire river? What mountains in Patagonia? How do the Andes lie in 
Pataconia? 


119. PATAGONIA, continued. 

This country is bounded on three sides by the ocean; it is cold 
and barren, and appears to be a region of perpetual storms. It has 
not been very much examined, and indeed the privations, to Avhich 
a traveller would be subjected, are such, as seem well calculated to 
damp the most ardent curiosity. The eastern side is composed of 
sandy, rocky plains, which are almost destitute of vegetation. 



The western side is mountainous, and contains extensive forests. 


What of Chiloe? Juan Fernandez? What of the Araucanian Indians? History of Chili^ 
Government? 

119. Describe the face of the country in Patagonia; soil. 









ISLANDS 117 

The climate is cold, and summer seasons seldom attain that degree 
of heat which we call temperate. 

The vegetables are few. The inhabitants are the chief objects 
of interest. Though few in numbers, exposed to great hardships, 
and apparently at the very bottom of the scale of civilisation, they 
are by most voyagers, both ancient and modern, represented as con¬ 
siderably exceeding in height the standard of mankind in more fa¬ 
vored climes. One of the most recent and minute accounts of them, 
represents the very shortest man that could be found, as measuring 
about six feet, while the tall men were about two feet more. The 
preceding picture exhibits some of these people. These remark¬ 
able savages are of a copper complexion. Like the other American 
Indians, they dress themselves in skins with the hair Avorn inwards 
Though hospitable to strangers, they are of a warlike character 
and live a Avandering life. 

They have a small active breed of horses, and both men and 
women are excellent riders. They are almost constantly on horse¬ 
back pursuing Avild game. The rhea, a bird resembling the ostrich, 
is the frequent object of their pursuit. They are very expert in 
the use of the bow and arrow, and manage a peculiar kind of sling 
with singular dexterity. They have the strange custom of drying 
the bones of their dead, which are then carried to the sea shore and 
deposited in huts, where they are surrounded Avith the skeletons of 
their horses. 


120. ISLANDS. 

Map of the Worli. Map of South America. Where is the island of Terra del Fuego^ 
Cape Horn? Falkland isles? Georgia island? Sandwich land? South Shetland isles'* 


121. ISLANDS, CONTINUED. 

Terra del Fuego is a group of cold, bleak, and desolate islands, 
where winter holds an almost uninterrupted sAvay. They have 
several volcanic mountains, and are inhabited by miserable tribes, 
Avho live in huts, clothe themselves in seal skins, and appear to sub¬ 
sist on the products of the sea. 

On the map, southeast of cape Horn, Avill be^ obserAmd seAmral 
islands, the principal of which are the Falkland isles, Georgia isl¬ 
and, Sandwich land, and the South Shetland isles. The Falkland 
isles are destitute of trees, and the attempts of the Spaniards to 
make them grow there have proved abortive. The islands are 
covered with sword-grass, and are resorted to for taking seals, 
which are common along the shores. The island of Georgia is 
covered with perpetual snow and ice. It is destitute of vegetation, 
and the lark is the only land bird that is known to inhabit it. Sand- 


Cliinate-, vegetables. AA^'fiat of the inhabitants in respect to number? Condition? Size.* 
Complexion? Dress? Character? Habits? AVhat strange^custom have they* 

I2l. Describe (he group of islands called Terra del Fuego j Ibe inhabitants I tbe Falkland/' 
ttles r Georgia ilduud > Saudwioli land- 








118 


SOUTH AMERICA. 


wich land was discovered by Captain Cook, and remained for a xon^ 
time the most southern land known. In 1820, the South Shetland 
isles were discovered, and have since been visited by numerous 
ships on account of the multitude of seals which they afford. 
There are doubtless other islands still farther south, but the intense 
cold has hitherto excluded the adventurous voyager from this em¬ 
pire of eternal winter. 


122. SOUTH AMERICA. 

Mup of South America. Map of Western Hemisphere. What is the most northern point 
of South America? Eastern? Southern? Western? How many degrees of latitude be¬ 
tween cape Vela and cape Horn? How many degrees of longitude between cape St. Roque 
and cape Blanco? 

What three vast rivers empty into the Atlantic ocean? Mention the ten principal branches 
of the Amazon. What four rivers flow into the Orinoco? What two rivers lorm the La 
Plata? What are the live principal branches of the Paraguay? What two large lakes in 
South America? Describe the Andes. What mountains south of Guiana? What islands on 
the northern coast of South America? Eastern? Southern? Western? What of the nine 
divisions of South America? Boundaries of each? 


123. SOUTH AMERICA, continued. 

The extent of South America, from north to south, is nearl / iht 
same as that of North America. The extreme width is about 3,0^>\ 
miles, but the average width does not exceed 1,6{)0. Its surface 
embraces about 7,000,000 of square miles. The population may 
be estimated at from 15 to 20,000,000. 

The face of the country in South America may be divided into 
three parts—the western, middle, and eastern. The western part 
consists of a vast plain, or plateau, elevated near 12,000 feet above 
the level of the sea, crowned with a vast chain of insulated peaks 
called the Andes. The middle portion lies to the east of this, and 
IS several times broader. It is a great expanse of country, com¬ 
posed of marshy, or sandy plains, furrowed by three magnificent 
rivers, and their numerous branches. The eastern portion, em-, 
bracing the eastern part of Brazil, is an elevated region, but less 
elevated and less in extent than the western plateau. 

The climate of South America is very remarkable. In the low 
and level parts, near the equator, the temperature is always that of 
summer. The trees are clothed in perpetual verdure, the flowers 
are ever in blossom, and the fruits ripen at all seasons. In those 
parts which are well watered, vegetation becomes exuberant, ani¬ 
mals increase, and reptiles and insects are multiplied without end. 
Never checked by the return of winter, animals and vegetables go 
on producing and reproducing, till the whole face of nature seems to 
be teeming with animal and vegetable life. The exhalations, which 


Describe the South Shetland isles. 

123. Length of South America? Width? Extent? Population? Into how many parts 
may the face of the country be divided in South America? Describe the western partj 
middle; eastern; climate;'climate of the low parts. 





SOUTH AMERICA 


119 


I arise from the marshy soil and vegetable putrefactions, render the 
J air extremely unhealthy. 

U In the elevated plains, the temperature is cool and delightful. 
■ Throughout the year, the climate has the charms of spring. On 

* the mountains, it is still colder; and at the height of 15 or 16,000 
feet, winter establishes a perpetual dominion. Thus in the same 

j latitude, and within the compass of a few hundred miles, are three 
I distinct zones, each having its own temperature, and its distinct 
classes of trees, plants, and animals. It must also be remembered 
I that these climates never vary. There is no change of seasons, ex- 

* cept from the wet to the dry. In the words of an eloquent writer, 
' summer, spring, and winter are seated on three distinct thrones, 
I which they never resign, each being surrounded by the attributes of 
I its power. 

I Among the most remarkable animals of South America are the 
jaguar and cougar; the ocelot, the most beautiful of the cat family; 
the lama, a useful animal of the camel kind; various kinds of mon¬ 
keys; the chinchilla, a kind of mouse, that furnishes the chinchilla 



fur; alligators, 18 feet in length; various kinds of serpents, some of 
monstrous size; the rhea, resembling the ostrich; parrots and par ro¬ 
quets in great variety; the toucan and other birds of brilliant plumage; 
and the condor of the Andes; this species of vulture is the larges! 
bird of flight in the world. 

The vegetable kingdom in South America is in the highest de¬ 
gree rich and varied. Among the trees are the palm, cocoa, and 
banana, besides multitudes of others common to both temperate 
and tropical climates. The fruits are rich and abundant. Among 
the plants are a variety of spices, cotton, indigo, sugar-cane, coffee 

Describe the elevated plains; mountains. What of three distinct 7.one?i‘ What of the uni¬ 
formity of the climate. Mention the most remarkable animals of South America. What of 
the vegetable kingdom^ 


















120 


CONTINENT OP AMERICA. 


i 


and matte. There is a great variety of flowering shrubs and 
j)la«ts; almost every species of grain is cultivated, and abundant 
cio{>s are afforded. 

In mineral treasures, South America surpasses all other countries. 
The quantity of gold and silver, annually taken from the various 
mines, amounts to many millions of dollars. The diamond mines 
of Brazil are the most prolific in the world. Various other precious 
stones, and a variety of other metals, are profusely yielded by this 
remarkable country. 

The Spaniards, on the discovery of South America, found it in 
the possession of various tribes of Indians, generally of a more 
gentle and less warlike character than those which inhabited North 
America. They were perhaps of the same race, but the influence 
of a softer climate had subdued their vigor and courage. With the 
cross in one hand, and the sword in the other, the ruthless invaders 
took possession of the land. Peru, a populous empire of partly 
civilized people, was conquered by Pizarro, by a series of treacher¬ 
ous and intrepid acts scarcely paralleled in the history of mankind. 
The whole peninsula of South America fell into the power of the 
European governments. Spain took possession of the western por¬ 
tion, and Portugal of the eastern. For two centuries, the country 
remained in the possession of these two powers, with the exception 
of Guiana. The Spanish portion has lately become independent, 
and though the new governments are wavering and unsettled, yet 
it is to be hoped, that the inhabitants will soon experience the bene¬ 
fits which ought to flow from free institutions. The Portuguese 
j)art of South America was until a recent date under the dominion 
of a legitimate sovereign, but its prospects are now uncertain. 

The prevailing religion of South America is the Catholic. The 
country is generally destitute of roads, bridges, and canals. Trav¬ 
elling and transportation of goods are for the most part performed 
on mules. The great mass of the people are poor, superstitious, 
and ignorant. Except in the cities, they generally live in low mud 
houses, and are indolent, vicious, and improvident. The Roman 
Catholic priests are numerous, rich, and powerful. The churches 
are costly, and decorated with prodigious quantities of silver and 
gold. The rich people of South America generally live in a luxuri¬ 
ous and ostentatious manner, singularly contrasted with the pover¬ 
ty and degradation of the inferior classes. 

124. CONTINENT OF AMERICA. 

Maps of the Western Hemisphere^ North America and' South Amerirn. How is America 
bounded? How separated from Asia? IIow are North and South America united? What 

W'hat of minerals? What of the original inhabitants of South America? What of the invad¬ 
ers of South America? What of Pizarro? Into whose hands did South America fall? Which 
part did Spain take possession of? Portugal? What was the state of South America for two 
centuries? What of the Spanish portion of South America? The Portuguese part? Religion? 
State of the country as to internal imjirovements? Travelling and transportation of goods? 
The maji of the people^ The Catholic priests* Churches'* The rich> 



AMERICA 


121 


I great range of mountains runs through the whole continent from north to south? What names 
I are given to the difl'erent parts of this range? 

I Where is Cape Farewell? Cape St. Roque? Cape Blanco? Cape Cod? Cape St. An- 
I tonio? Cape Fear? Cape May? Cape St. Lucas? Cape St. Francisco? Cape St. Louis? 
Cape Horn? Cape Mendocino? What group of islands between North and South America? 
What islands west of South America under the equator? 

What straits between New Britain and James isle? Between Greenland and James isle? 
Between Labrador and Newfoundland? Between Patagonia and Terra del Fuego? What gulfs 
in America? What bays? What seas? Describe Rio del Norte; Mississippi? jllacken- 
rie’s ; Ohio; Amazon; Rio de la Plata ; Columbia. 

Where is lake Superior? Winnipeg? Ontario? Huron? Erie? Slave? Michigan? 

125. AMERICA, continued. 

America is washed on all sides by the sea, except at the north. 
It s separated from Asia on the west hy Bheering’s straits, but the 
northern part of the continent has never been explored. Some in¬ 
trepid navigators have lately passed through Baffin’s bay, and, pen¬ 
etrating these icy regions, have proved the extension of the ocean 
as far as Melville island. But whether the eastern and western 
waters unite, and separate the continent from the polar regions, is 
yet a matter of total uncertainty. No human foot has yet been 
able to penetrate these fearful abodes of eternal winter. 

The continent of America, from latitude 75 north to cape Horn, 
embraces about 130 degrees, making the length 9000 miles. The 
average width may be estimated at 1600 miles, and the surface is 
supposed to contain near 15,000,000 of square miles. 

The whole of America, north of latitude 55, may he considered 
a frozen region. In Greenland, and around Hudson’s bay, brandy 
freezes during the winter. The ice and snow accumulate on the 
land and water, and cover a great part of the country throughout 
the year. The winter begins in August, and continues for nine 
I months! In summer, the heat is as great as in New England. It 

i continues however for too short a period to bring grain to maturity, 

I and the cultivation of the soil is very little practised. Vegetation 
i is too scanty to supply the inhabitants with any considerable part 

' of their food; they therefore live chiefly on seals, and other pro¬ 

ductions of the sea. 

Between 55° and 44,° the climate of North America is still 
severe. In winter the cold is intense; and the snow, which begins 
to fall in November, remains till May. The summer advances with 
, such rapidity, that the season of spring is .scarcely known. In 
} June, the fields and forests are covered with luxuriant verdure. 
Grass is abundant, and in some parts, grain is cultivated with succe.ss. 

The temperate portions of North America maybe considered as 
extending from 44° to 37° north latitude. These regions are 


Let the teacher examine the pujtil in Tables No. 11, 12, and 13. 

125. What of America? Wliat have navigators proved? What is matter of total iincer 
taintv? Length of the continent of America? Width? Extent? What of America north 
of 55 degrees? What of Greenland, and the vicinity of Hudson’s bay in winter? In summer? 
What of the climate between latitude 55 and 44? Winter? Summer? What may be con¬ 
sidered the temverate regions of North America^ What are the productions of tliese regions^ 
11 





122 


AMERICA. 


prolific in grass, grain, and various kinds of fruit, as apples, pears, 
peaches, &c. From north to the latitude of 40 degrees south, 
the climate is hot, and the products are tobacco, indigo, cotton, rice,, 
and various fruits and plants called tropical, as oranges, lemons, 
figs, ])ine-apples, sugar-cane, cofi'ee, &c. Beyond latitude 40® 
south, the climate again becomes cold, and at Terra del Fuego, it 
is severe. At the Georgian isles, in lat. 54® couth, the climate 
ap])ears to be frigid. 

It seems, therefore, that the temperature, in general, becomes 
cold or warm as we a})proach or recede from the equator. Here, 
beneath a vertical sun, reigns perpetual summer, and nature puts 
on a magnificent array of vegetation. As if enchanted by these 
regions, birds of beautiful plumage are seen in flocks amid the ever- 
verdant groves; monkeys are sporting on the trees; and lurking 
amid marshes and thickets are jaguars, cougars, and serpents of 
prodigious size. As we leave these countries, and proceed to the 
north, or south, there is a gradual change; not only does vegetation 
assume a less and less exuberant character, but the trees and plants 
are exchanged for others. The orange gives place to the peach 
and vine; these disappear, and the hardier fruits, such as apples 
and pears, are suspended from the trees. These again disappear, 
and forests of dark pine cover the. land with gloom. These'dwindle 
by degrees, until only here and there a stinted birch, or willow, the 
hardiest of trees, is found to endure the inhospitable climate. 

But while the climate of a country thus chiefly depends upon its 
nearness to the equator, there are other circumstances which modify 
or change the climate of particular places. Islands and coasts feel 
the influence of the sea air, which is not only moist, but is neither 
very hot nor very cold; it therefore softens the severity of winter, 
and abates the heat of* summer. Consequently, places exposed to 
its influence are rendered more temperate. 

Great accumulations of ice and snow materially affect climate 
The great masses of snow and ice in the regions of Greenland 
imj)art their chilling influence to the winds which visit us from the 
north, and constitute one of the causes of the greater coldness of 
our climate, than that of other countries in the same latitude. 
These cold winds, mingled with the sea breezes which come from 
the Atlantic, give that harsh and chiliing quality so remarkable in 
the easterly winds of New England. 

Mountains, which shelter a country from cold winds, render the 
climdte warmer. In all parts of our country, the southern decliv- 


Wliat of the regions between 37 north, and 40 south? What of the climate beyond latitude 
40 south? 

What of climate as we approach or recede from the equator? Describe the climate 
and countries near the equator. What change i.s observed as we proceed north or south troiu 
the equator? Upon what does the climate of a ctuinliy chiefly depend' What is the effect 
uf the sea air? What other circumstance all'ects climate' What effect have the masses of 
snow in northern countries' What of laountaios? 




AMERICA. 


12S 


I ities of mountamSj and places lying- south of them, sheltered from 
the north winds, are well known to he much warmer. So great is 
the difference observed in such places, that in some cases plants, 
which would flourish on the southern side of a mountain, would 
perish on the northern, ^ 

Elevation above the level of the sea is an important circumstance 
in climate. The city of Mexico, according to its latitude, should 
be excessively hot, but, being elevated 7000 feet above the level of 
the sea, it enjoys a cool and refresliing climate like that of spring, 
Quito, which lies under the equator, has a similar climate. Within 
sight of this city, at an elevation of 15 or 16,000 feet, the tops of 
the mountains are so cold as to be covered with never-changing 
masses of snow and ice. At the distance of a few miles, the 
inhabitants of Guayaquil, living on a low and level margin of the 
sea, experience an intense and sickly degree of heat. 

There is a range of mountains, running the whole length of the 
continent of America; a distance of near 11,000 miles, including its 
windings. This is the longest range of mountains on the globe. 
Beginning at the southern extremity of the continent, in latitude 
t 54 south, it runs along the'western coast of South America, and, 

f crossing the isthmus of Darien, passes into Mexico in North 

l' America. After leaving Mexico, it continues in a course west of 

r north, and terminates, it is supposed, in the Frozen ocean, in lati¬ 

tude 70® north. The different parts of this range are called by 
different names. The part in South America is cailed tlie Andes; 
the part in Mexico, the Cordilleras of Mexico; and the part north 
of Mexico, the Rocky mountains. The highest j)arts of this range 
are in South America and Mexico. There are many summits from 
15,000 to 20,000 feet in height, and several of the loftiest are 
volcanoes. 

America greatly surpasses the eastern continent in the magnitude 
of its rivers. In North America, the great rivers are Mackenzie’s, 
St. Lawrence, Hudson, Mississippi, Rio Bravo del Norte, Colum¬ 
bia, and Colorado. The Mississippi, including the Missouri, which 
is its longest branch, is 4,500 miles in length, and is the longest 
river in the world. In South America are the Magdalena, Orinoco, 
Amazon, St. Francisco, and La Plata. Of these, the Amazon 
is the largest, its whole length being estimated at 3,000 miles. 
The whole extent of country, bordering upon this river and its 
various branches, is estimated at 2,400,000 square miles. This 
extent, called the Basin of the Amazon, is nearly equal to the whole 
of Europe, and is about a twentieth part of all the land on the 
globe. Toward the mouth of this river, it is so wide, that the 


What other important circumstance in climate? What of Mexico? Quito? Guayaquil? 
W'rat of the great range of mountains running through tlie American continent? What are the 
dift’ereiit parts called? The highest peaks? What of rivers in America? What are the great 
rivers of North America? What of the Mississippi? The great nvers of South America^ 
1*116 Amazoa? Length'* Extent of its basin? Width’ 




124 


AMERICA. 


naked eye can hardly see across it. Its depth is 600 feet, and the 
tide is felt at more than 700 ndles from its mouth. The quantity 
of water discharg'ed by this river, is probably about equal to one- 
twentieth part of the whole volume emptied into the sea by all the 
other rivers of the globe, and nearly equal to the quantity discharg¬ 
ed by all the rivers of Europe. 

4'lie number of inhabitants in America may be estimated at 
40,000,000. They may be divided into four classes; Whites, 



Negroes, Indians, and mixed races, called Mulattoes and Mestizoes. 
I'he whites are descendants of the Europeans. The negroes are the 
descendants of African slaves. The Indians, of a copper complex¬ 
ion, are the remnants of the aborigines, those who occupied the 
country at the time of its discovery. The whites constitute one 
half of the population; the negroes, perhaps, one eighth part; the 
Indians, probably, not more than one third, and are rapidly dimin¬ 
ishing, while the whites and negroes are fast increasing. The 
number of the mixed races is inconsiderable. 

A little more than three centuries ago, the inhabitants of Europe, 
Asia, and Africa, were totally ignorant of the existence ol' such a 
continent as America. At this period, the art of navigation was 
extreniely limited, and mariners only ventured along the coasts. 
But Christopher Columbus, a native of Genoa, entertained the 
bold idea that a vast extent of land lay far in the ocean to the west. 
So confident was he in this opinion, that he set about obtaining the 
means for ascertaining the truth or fallacy of his theory, by experi¬ 
ment. 

Every where he met Avith ridicule and contempt. But though 


Depth? The quantity of water it discharges? Population of America? How may the inhab- 
tants be divided^ What of the whites? Negroes? Indians? Mixed races? AV’hat of the 
inliabitants of the eastern continent a little more than three cenluiies ago? What of naviga* 
tiou at that time? Columbus? 















ATLANTIC OCEAN 


125 


regarded as a visionary, he still persevered, and at length Ferdinand 
and Isabella, sovereigns of Castile, in Spain, listened to his proposals, 
and furnished him with three small vessels and 90 men. With 
these he set out upon the trackless sea. Havijig sailed more than 
2,000 miles, his men became disheartened, and refused to proceed. 
Columbus promised to return, if in three days land was not dis¬ 
covered. Favorable indications soon appeared, and on the 11th of 
October, 1492, Columbus, standing upon the deck, a little before 
midnight, descried a distant light. 

The morning came, and land was before them. Columbus pro¬ 
ceeded to the place, and had several interviews with the inhabitants, 
who now for the first time saw a ship, and people with white skins. 
It was one of the West India isles. Columbus carried the news of 
his discovery to Spain. Various expeditions were fitted out, and 
the whole continent was soon discovered. In due time, it was 
settled by colonies, and claimed as the possession of various Euro¬ 
pean powers. 

The origin of the American Indians has been a subject of much 
investigation, but the total absence of historical records among 
the Indians themselveg, renders it difficult to arrive at any satis¬ 
factory result. It has been discovered that there are remarkable 
resemblances between some of the languages of Asia and those of 
the Indians, and hence it becomes nearly certain that they came 
from Asia. But at what period they came, it is impossible to de¬ 
termine. It is evident that they are a distinct peo])le, being essen¬ 
tially different in several respects from any of the existing races on 
the Eastern continent. They have few customs, superstitions, 
religious opinions, or religious rites, bearing any analogy to those 
of any Asiatic nation at the jiresent day. If, therefore, they came 
from Asia, it is nearly certain the migration must have taken place 
many ages since. 

126, THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. 

In which direction is the Atlantic ocean from America? Boundaries? In which direction 
is England from New York? How far is England from New York? What are the principal 
blaiuls in the Atlantic ocean? In which direction is Europe from the United States? 

127. SAILING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. 

Having taken a view of the continent of America, let us bid 
adieu to our own country, and pay a visit to foreign lands. The 
only way in which we can leave America is by means of a ship. 
Let us imagine that we enter one of the fine packets at New York, 


Who assisted Columbus to undertake a voyage of discovery? Describe Columbus’s voyage? 
When did he discover America? What part of Amei'lca was it that he first discovered? 
W'hat followed the discovery of America? What of the origin of the American Indians? 
What has been discovered? What is rendered nearly certain? W'hat is it impossible to deter¬ 
mine? What is evident? What analogy betweei^ their religion and customs and those of es»- 
isting Asiatic nations? What is therefore nearly certain? 

u* 



126 


ATLANTIC OCEAN 


and set. out for Europe. Taking leave of our friends, we dejiart. 
The wind fills the sails, and we stretch away ujion the sea. Steer¬ 
ing in a northeasterl}^ direction, we proceed on our way. The 
hills along the shore sink behind the water, and nothing but the 



ocean is now spread around us. We could almost imagine that 
the skies above, and the deep beneath, were all that remained of 
creation. 

Now that we are upon the broad sea, we have leisure to examine 
the map of the great ocean upon which we are sailing. 

Alter we have been at sea a few days, the captain informs us 
that we are in the gulf stream. We shall discover, that the at- 
m(»s]'.here now is very warm, that the water is several degrees 
warmer than in other parts of the ocean, and that a current is (h'i\ - 
ing us rapidly in a northeasterly direction. On inquiry of the 
captain, he gives us the following information. There are various 
currents in the Atlantic, as well as the Pacific ocean; some of these 
are regular, "while others are variable, and change periodically with 
the seasons. This current, which is now driving us forward, is 
called the Gulf stream. It is felt as far south as cape St. Roque, 
in South America. It runs along the coast of Brazil, and passes 
through the Caribbean sea into the gulf of Mexico; thence it issues 
at the rate of four or five miles an hour. It gradually diminishes 
m velocity, and at length its impulse is scarcely jierceived. On 
striking the banks of Newfoundland, it turns to the eastward; and 
seems to lose itself in the eastern parts of the ocean. Such is its 
effect, however, that the mast of a ship, burned in the West 
Indies, was afterwards driven upon one of the northern islands of 
Scotland. 

In crossing the ocean, we must expect to meet "with our share of 

127. Describe the picture. lu what direction is England from New York? W hat of the 
gulf itreain,* 
















ATLANTIC OCEAN 


127 


f adventures. For several days we are surrounded with thick fo^. 
I pThe air suddenly becomes very cold, and the captain wears a look 
i iof the deepest anxiety. Night sets in; the passengers gather in 
> 'the cabin, and make anxious inquiries of each other. There is no 
ij I sleep in the ship this night. The morning at length dawns. The 
' f fog is blown away by a clear, northwesterly- wind. Suddenly 
there is a cry through the ship. The voice of the captain sounds 
harsh and loud; the sailors put forth their utmost efforts. 

The })assengers look out, and see with astonishment an immense 
island of ice directly before the vessel, in her very path. With 
I breathless fear they gaze on the scene, but the obedient ship now 
S yields to the helm; with a graceful bend she turns her prow away 
i from the iceberg. The moment of danger is past; the captain ex- 
1 claims, ‘‘We are safe!” Joy spreads through the ship; silent 
{( thanksgivings ascend from the heart to Heaven. The rapid vessel 
i' speeds on her way, and the iceberg disappears behind the bending 
' water. 

j The danger over, and every heart at ease, the passengers 
' tell each other many tales of ships that have been lost by running 
upon icebergs. The captain expresses the opinion, that many of 
I those vessels, which have gone to sea, and never afterwards been 
‘ heard of, have thus been dashed to pieces, and sunk in the ocean. 
Among the facts related on this occasion, is the story of a ship 
going from England to America, that struck suddenly upon a 
. floating mass of ice, nearly hid beneath the waves. Large seams 
■were opened in the hulk of the vessel, and she began instantly to 
sink. 

The sailors and all the passengers jumped into the life-boat, save 
, one gentleman, his wife and two children. The life-boat was full; 
the sailors requested the gentleman to jump into the boat, but, de¬ 
claring that there was not room for his wife and children, refused 
to pennit them to enter. “ I will not leave them to perish alone,” 
said the gentleman, and turned his back upon the sailors. The 
I boat pushed off, the wreck settled rapidly in the water, and soon 
the smooth waves closed over the scene. 

!' We continue on our voyage, with porpoises and whales sporting 
" about us. In about 20 days from our departure, the captain, with 
I his spy-glass, is keenly looking out for the rocky coasts of Ireland, 
j At length the shore of Kinsale is in view. It was here that the 
j Albion was lost, with a great number of passengers, among whom 
was the lamented professor Fisher, of Yale College. 

Our caj)tain is now all vigilance, and every sailor is on the alert. 
Soon we are in St. George’s channel. The tall blue hills of Wales 
are on the right. A cannon is fired, and a small white sail is seen 
coming out from the coast. It comes nearer and nearer, and at 
le igth it reaches us. The pilot comes on board. The captain re- 

^ Wliat are icebergs? Are they dangerous to ships crossing the ocean? Describe a voyage 
froui New York to Liveroool? What channel between Eiigland and Ireland? 





128 


ENGLAND 


signs the command of me ship to him. He knows every rock and 
current in this dangerous passage. Every sail is spread, and we 
proceed at a ra]iid jiace. Beautiful green hills, chequered with 
hedges, are in view; this is England. A large dark city lies before 
us; it is Liverpool. We come near the wharf; a crowd of men and 
women are waiting for us; we step ashore, and our voyage is done. 

12S. ENGLAND. 

Map oj"Europe, Mnp of the Atlantic Ocean. Where is England? Boundaries? How 
is the island of Great Biitain separated from the continent? How is it separated from Ire¬ 
land? Describe the Thames ; Severn. What is the capital? Where is London? Direc¬ 
tion from Boston? New York? Washington? From you? Where is Liverpool? Birming¬ 
ham? York? Carlisle? Bristol? Bath? Plymouth? Newcastle? Norwich? Oxford? 
Glasgow? 

129. ENGLAND, continued. 

England is divided into 40 counties. It is beautifully diversified 
with hills, valleys, and plains, resembling the face of the country 
in New England. The climate is exceedingly moist, and there is 
a great deal of foggy and rainy weather. The extremes of heat 
and cold are less than in any other country in the same latitude, 
owing to its being surrounded by the sea. The winters are by no 
means as severe as in New England; snow is common, but it sel¬ 
dom falls to any considerable depth, and remains but for a few days. 
The frost is not severe, and the meadows often retain their verdure 
through the winter. 

The soil is generally good, though there are extensive heaths 
and plains, which only furnish a meagre pasture for sheep. Near¬ 
ly the whole surface of the country, however, is under cultivation. 
The lands are divided not by rail and stone fences as in this coun¬ 
try, but by hedges, or rows of thorny shrubs, which give a very 
picturesque effect to the landscape. A traveller in England will 
not hesitate to pronounce it the most beautiful country on the globe. 

Agriculture is carried to a high degree of perfection, and, in gen¬ 
eral, an acre of land is made to produce much more than in this 
country. The principal productions are grain, wool, cattle, horses,, 
and culinary vegetables. The mineral productions are exceedingly 
important. The whole fuel of the country, not only for families, 
but for steam-boats, and multitudes of steam engines used in man¬ 
ufactories, is produced from the coal mines. Great quantities of 
coal are also exported. The copper mines supply, not England 
only, but many other countries. The tin mines are the most ex¬ 
tensive in the world. Iron is so abundant, that it is used for fences,. 


12S. Into how iiiany counties is England divided? Describe the face of the country. 
What does it resemble? What of heat and cold in England? Winters? Snow? P'rost? 
What of the meadows in Klngland? Wliat of the soil in England? Of licatlis and plains? 
What of the surface of the country in England? How are tlic lands divided? What woiihl 
a traveller in England say of it? What of agricultui/e in England? Of productions? Mine¬ 
rals? What of the coal mines? Copper mines? Tin mines? For what purposes is in-*' 
used in England? 



ENGLAND 


129 


ramp posts, window sashes, almost every species of machinery, and 
a great variety of uses, to which it is not applied in this country. 
It also supplies the material for the immense manufactures in hard- 
\ware and cutlery. Lead is also abundant. 

There are several famous mineral springs in England. These 
are resorted to by multitudes of persons in search of health. At 
particular seasons, they are thronged by crowds of the gay, the 
idle, the fashionable, and the dissipated. The most celebrated of 
these watering places are Bristol, Bath, Buxton, Cheltenham, Tun¬ 
bridge, Scarborough, Harrowgate, and Epsom. 

England abounds in canals, which cross the country in every di¬ 
rection. Rail-roads are also becoming common, and may be regard¬ 
ed as one of the greatest improvements of modern times. On that 
between Liverpool and Manchester, cars filled with passengers are 
propelled at the astonishing rate of 20 miles an hour. I’he roads 
and bridges are excellent, the latter being generally of hewn stone. 
England is the greatest manufacturing country in the world. 
Woollens, cottons, silks, hardware, and earthen ware, are the chief 
articles of manufacture. Its commerce extends to every country 
on the globe. Its ships are seen on every ocean, in every sea, at 
almost every port. 

The most ample arrangements are made in England for educa¬ 
tion. There are two universities, Oxford and Cambridge, which 
are more richly endowed than any others in the world. The schools 
of Eton, Westminster, St. Paul’s, Winchester, Harrow, and Rugby, 
are nearly on the same scale as our colleges. There are multi¬ 
tudes of other schools, public and private, and in them all a long- 
continued, systematic, and thorough course of instruction is given. 

Though education at any of these places is expensive, yet so 
general is the conviction of its superior importance, that the child¬ 
ren of all persons in tolerable circumstances are well educated. 
The children of the poorer classes, by means of Sunday schools 
and the efforts of their parents, are generally taught to read and 
write. Immense numbers of volumes, consisting of the works of 
the best English authors, are circulated in every part of the king¬ 
dom, in the form of weekly or monthly pamphlets, at a very cheap 
rate. Even the poorest mechanics and laborers are in the habit of 
spending a considerable part of their leisure in the perusal of these 
publications. 

London, the metropolis of England, is an immense city; being 


n'^hat is said of lead? What of mineral springs? Who frequent them? Which are the 
most celebrated of these springs? What of canals? Rail-roads? Kail-road between Liver¬ 
pool and Manchester? Roads? Bridges? What are bridges made of in England? What 
are the chief manufactuies of England? What of the commerce? Ships? What of educa¬ 
tion in England? Universities? Schools? What is given in all the public and private 
schools? Is education expensive in England? What is thought of education generally? Uc n 
aic the poorer children instructed? W'hat are circulated in the form of pamphlets^ W^hat 
IS said of the mechanics and laborers > What is the extent of Loudon? 



130 


ENGLAND 


seven miles in length, and five in width. The Thames passes 
through it, across which is one bridge of iron, and several of stone.| 
An attempt has also been made to construct a tunnel, or road, un¬ 
der the river, so that persons, carts, and carriages, might pass be-: 
neath, while the river, with its thousands of boats, is flowing in 
its channel above their heads. This work is partly executed, but 
farther operations are at present suspended. 

The eastern portion of London is called the city, where the 
greatest part of the business is transacted. This quarter is irregu¬ 
larly built; the streets are crooked, and many of them dark, narrow, 
and filthy. They are, however, full of people during the hours of 
business, and some of them are so thronged, that it is almost im¬ 
possible to pass through them. Some of the remoter parts are 
occupied by people of such desperate character, that a person risks 
his life by going arriong them. The western part of the city, 
caked Westminster, is better built, and the streets are broader. 

The west end of the town is generally inhabited by wealthy 
people; the streets are regular, and the houses, though plain, and 
destitute of ornament externally, are within costly and magnificent. 
Among the public buildings, Westminster abbey, an ancient but 
sublime edifice, and St. Paul’s cathedral, a noble modern building, 
are the most interesting. The parks, of which there are several 
near the city, consist of extensive grounds, ornamented with 
groves, and laid out with walks and avenues. These ])resent views 
of palaces, and other costly edifices around them. They are often 
thronged with people, and thousands of the fashionable and the 
gay may be seen moving in all directions, giving an indescribable 
aspect of cheerfulness to the scene. 

London is truly an astonishing place. Including the suburbs, it 
contains 1,200,000 people. It is the centre of an immense trade, 
and is by far the most commercial city in the world. There are 
also a great many institutions of a charitable and religious kind. 
One of these societies is devoted to the noble cause of distributing 
the Bible, and they have already circulated more than four millions 
of copies! There are several societies engaged in sending mission¬ 
aries to various heathen lands, with the design of converting them 
to Christianity and civilisation. 

Liverpool is the second city for commerce in England. A vast 
amount of cotton is sent frorn the United States to this port, which 
is used in the manufactories. Its trade with the United States and 
the West Indies is very great. Pop. 160,000. Manchester, 32 
miles from Liverpool, is famous for the manufacture of cotton 


What river passes through it? What attempt has been made? What is the eastern part of 
London called. What is said of it? What of the western part of London-’ Public build¬ 
ings? What are (he parks? What is said of them? What is the population of London and 
the suburbs? What ot its trade? Commerce? Societies? What is said of Liverpool? What 
IS sent from the U. States to Liverpooli’ What of its trade? Population? For wliat ia. 
Manchester famous'’ 




ENGLAND. 


131 


poods, calicoes, g-mghams, chintzes, shawls, handkerchiefs, &c. 

; The manufarluring establishments are generally in large buildings, 

I with many windows, and at night, as you approach the town, it 
looks like an illuminated city. Pop. 134,000. 

Birmingham is famous for the manufacture of locks, buttons, 
hinges, guns, swords, and other hardware. Leeds, Wakefield, 
Huddersfield, Norwich, and Exeter, are celebrated for the manu- 
j facture of woollens; Sheffield, for cutlery and files; Coventry for 
I ribbons; Kidderminster for carpets; Nottingham and Leicester, for 
I stockings; Gloucester, for pins; Worcester, for porcelain; New¬ 
castle under Line, for its potteries. 

Bristol had formerly an extensive trade with the United States 
, and West Indies; Hull is known for its great amount of shipping; 
j Portsmouth, as a naval station for government ships; Newcastle, 

I as the centre of the grand coal-mines; Bath, as the most elegant 
I city in England; York, as the second city in rank in the kingdom; 

I Canterbury, for its antiquities, and its beautiful church; Oxford 
I and Cambridge, for their universities. 

i When an American is travelling in England, he sees a multitude 
of objects which strike him as peculiar. He is surprised to see the 
women abroad in the open air, as freely as the men, many of them 
engaged in laborious occupations, which in New England are only 
pursued by men. The stage coaches, with twelve persons on the 



outside; the admirable roads; the beautiful stone bridges; here and 
there the stately ruins of an ancient castle; the fine country seats. 

What of the inanufactiiriiis; establishments? Describe their appearance at ni^ht. For what 
13 Birmingham famous? AVhat places are celebrated for the manufacture of woollens? What 
of Sheffield? Coventry? Kidderminster’’ Nollingham and Leicester? Gloucester? Wor¬ 
cester? Newcastle under Line? 

What of Bristol? What of Hull? Portsmouth? Newcastle? Which is the most elegant 
city in England? Wdiicli is llie second city in rank in England? Wliat is said of Canterbury? 

\vi>a( nViierU in Kiwiand strike an American traveller as peculiar, 












132 


WALES. 


Situated far hack from the road, with a ^reen velvet lawn in front 
and an extensive park or forest spreadini^ far over the landscape: 
the packs of twenty or thirty hounds, with several men on horse¬ 
back, peculiarly dressed, sweeping across the fields: these, and 
many other things, assure the traveller, that he is not in his own 
country, and that he is in no other than that England, of which he 
nas been taught to read with the deepest interest from his infancy. 


130. WALES. 

Map of Europe. Where is Wales? Boundaries? Where is St. David’s? Sf. Asaph’s? 


131. WALES, CONTINUED. 

North Wales is a country of bleak mountains, generally destitute 
01 f with dark ravines and deep valleys between. Some parts 
are highly jucturesque, and there are spots which are finely culti¬ 
vated. 1 here are many beautiful, quiet villages, and some hand¬ 
some country seats, and here and there a bustling town among the 
mountains^ In South Wales, the country is hilly, but of a milder 
chaiacter than in North Wales. It is strewed over with habita¬ 
tions of all sorts, scattered, or in villages. The houses in Wales 
are white-washed of the most brilliant whiteness, and almost every 
cottage has around it, its roses, honeysuckles and vines, with a neat 
walk to the door Every thing shows that the people are happv 
and at ease. They are industrious, frugal and virtuous. 



Wales is divided into 12 counties. Its mines of coal and iron 
are very productive. Its slate quarries are extensive, and slate is 
exported to the United States and various other countries. Wales 


131. Wl.at is said of North AVales? South Wales? What of (he houses in Wales? What 

How man^ counties has Wales> 

U'hat 01 the mines'* Slate quaines? 











SCOTLAND. 133 

has few towns of note; the chief are Caernarvon, Swansea, and 
Cardigan. 

13^. SCOTLAND. 

Map of Europe. Where is Scotland? Where is Murray frith? Frith of Forth? Where 
is the capital? Where is Edinbur£;h? Direction from London? Liverpool? Boston? From 
you? Where is Glasgow? Aberdeen? Paisley? Perth? 


133. SCOTLAND, continued. 

Scotland is divided into 33 counties; it is separated by tlie Gram¬ 
pian hills, or mountains, into two parts, called lowlands and high¬ 
lands. The highlands are in the north and northwest. They 
consist chiefly of bleak mountains, almost wholly shorn of their 
forest trees, and covered with a low shrub, called heath or heather. 
They have a dreary aspect, and kre useful only as pasture ground, 
for sheep and black cattle, a small breed valued for their flesh. 

The mountains occasionally assume a grand, and, in some in¬ 
stances, a wild and rugged appearance; and the beautiful blue lakes, 
or lochs, and the little bright valleys, which lie low and still be¬ 
tween them, often present delightful objects to the wanderer among 
these regions. As these mountains, lochs, and valleys, are woven 



into the poetry and romances of Scott, Burns, and others, we have 
read of them from childhood, and associated them in our minds 
with all that is wild, pastoral and pleasing. 

On the western coast are several islands, called the Hebrides. 
They contain many inhabitants, but these cannot speak English 
and are without education. They live by raising cattle, fishing. 

What IS said of the (owns in Wales? What are the chief towns? 

133. Into how many counties is Scotland divided? How is it divided into lowlands and 
highlands? Where are the highlands? What do they consist of? For what are they useful? 
What is said of the mountains, lakes, and valleys of the highlands? Describe the pictuee. 
What tfl tlie Hebrides? 

12 
















134 


SCOTLAND. 


and by killing sea fowl, and gathering their eggs from the rocks^ 
To the north, are the Orkney and Shetland isles, where the in¬ 
habitants lead similar lives. 

or the mountains m Scotland, the Grampian chain is the loftiest. 
Its highest summit, Ben Nevis, is 4387 feet high, and is the most 
elevated mountain in the British isles. The Trosachs, at the out¬ 
let of Loch Katrine, an assemblage of “ rocks, mounds, and 
knolls,” are celebrated as being the scene of an interesting portion 
of Scott’s “ Lady of the Lake.” Loch Lomond, the largest of 
the Scotch lakes, is 30 miles in length. It lies at the base of Ben 
Lomond, a lofty mountain, and is one of the most beautiful sheets 
of water in the world. On the eastern shore is a rocky cave, which 
was once the retreat of the famous Rob Roy. 

The lowlands of Scotland are agreeably diversified with hills and 
plains. The latter are fertile and highly cultivated. The climate 
in the northern part of Scotland is very cold, and storms of snow 
like those along the northern border of New England, sometimes 
visit it in winter. The western parts are subject to heavy rains, 
but in the southern portions, the climate is temperate. 

The chief productions are coal, iron, lead, cattle, sheep, grain, 
and fish. The princijjal articles of manufacture are cottons, linens, 
woollens, and iron ware. There are several canals, the principal 
of which are the Caledonian canal, and the Forth and Clyde canal, 
both of which open a water communication across the country, 
from sea to sea. 

There are four universities in Scotland; that of Edinburgh, which 
has great celebrity as a medical school, and those of Glasgow, Ab¬ 
erdeen, and St. Andrew’s. Schools for the education of all classes 
are established throughout the country. The means of instruction 
in the Lowlands are very cheap and excellent, and knowledge is 
probably more generally diffused than in any other country. In 
the Highlands many of the people cannot speak English, and a large 
proportion are totally uneducated. The established religion of 
Scotland is that of Presbyterianism, which is the faith of a great 
majority of the people. 

Edinburgh is one of the most interesting cities in the world. It 
is divided by a deep, narrow basin, once the bed of a lake, into the 
old and new town. The former is a crowded assemblage of antique 
buildings, placed upon a rugged steep hill. The streets are narrow, 
and some of the houses are eight, and even twelve, stories in height. 
They are filled with inhabitants, and at a little distance, an observer 


Orkneys? Shetland Isles? What are the loftiest mountains in Scotland? What is the lieight 
of Ben Nevis? What are the Trosachs? What is said of Loch Lomond? Where was once 
the retreat of the famous Rob Roy? What of the lowlands of Scotland? What of the climate 
of the northern parts of Scotland? The western? Southern? What are the productions^ 
Manufactures? What of canals? What are the four universities in Scollaiid? What ot 
schools? Means of instruction? Knowledge? People of the Highlands? What is the estab¬ 
lished religion of Scotland? What is said of Edinburgh^ IIow is it dividedi* Deici ihelbe 
old IcMti. 



IRELAND 


135 

might fancy it a vast bee hive, with its busy and bustling inhabi¬ 
tants, thronging its archways, roads, and avenues. The new town 
is regularly laid out, and built of freestone. It consists chiefly of 
the residences of the rich. It is very elegant, and has the freshness 
of recent construction. The contrast which it bears to the old 
town increases the beauty of the one, while it adds to the curious 
interest with which we regard the other. 

At a little distance from the city, are Salisbury craig, and Ar¬ 
thur’s seat. The latter is a high rocky mountain, which lifts its 
head far above the smoke and noise of the town, and seems to be 
gaz.ing down with an inquisitive look upon the busy inhabitants. 
Near the foot of this mountain, is the supposed birth-place of Jeanie 
Deans, the heroine of the tale of the Heart of Mid Lothian. 

Edinburgh is not remarkable for trade or manufactures. It is 
the place where the courts, which have jurisdiction over the whole 
country, hold their sessions. The assembly, consisting of clergy¬ 
men and delegates from the various Presbyterian churches, also 
hold their annual meetings here. Edinburgh is the centre of learn¬ 
ing and learned men, and is known abroad by its university, and the 
fame of its able and eloquent authors. Pop. 138,000. 

Glasgow is the first city in Scotland for manufactures and com¬ 
merce. Parts of it are handsomely laid out and well built; but its 
buildings are blackened by the smoke which proceeds from its man¬ 
ufacturing establishments. The cathedral is an ancient and impos¬ 
ing edifice, in the Gothic style. Population of Glasgow, 147,000. 
Paisley and Perth are famous for their manufactures of cotton and 
linen; Carron, for its iron works; Melrose, for its beautiful remains 
of an ancient abbey; Gretna Green, as the residence of a blacksmith, 
who marries runaway lovers from England; and Ayr, as the birth¬ 
place of the poet Burns. 

134. IRELAND. 

Maj> of Europe. Where is Ireland? Boundaries? What is the capital? Where is Dub¬ 
lin? Direction from London? Edinburgh? Boston? New York? hrorn you? Where is 
Londonderry? Bcifa*t? Galway? Limerick? Cork? Waterford'’ Kilkenny'’ Where is 
cape Clear? Kinsale? What of the river Shannon? 

135. IRELAND, continued. 

Ireland is divided into four provinces, and these are subdivided 
into 32 counties. The surface of the country is moderately uneven, 
with few mountains. There are a great many peat bogs, or mo¬ 
rasses, which supply the people with iuel, but are useless for other 


The new town. Where is Salisbury craig? Describe Arthur’s seat. Is Edinburgh remark¬ 
able for trade or manufactures? What is said of (he city of Edinburgh? What is its popula¬ 
tion? What IS the first citv In Scotland for manufactures and commerce? What is said of 
Glasgow? Its population? For what are Paisley and Perth famous? What of Carron? 
JD li ose? What is Grelna Green celebrated for? What is the birth-place of the poet Burris? 

l3o. Into how many provinces is Ireland divided? Are these subdivided? What is th« 
»ui face of the country iu Ireland.'’ What supply t^e people with fuel? 



136 


IRELAND. 


purposes. The climate is like that of England, though not quite 
as cold in winter, nor as hot in summer. 

One of the chief productions is potatoes, which are excellent and 
abundant, and form the principal article of food for the poorer classes. 
Oats are extensively cultivated, and also constitute a great part of 
the food of the poor. Grass and flax are raised in great quantities; 
the latter is pulled before the seed is rij)e, and therefore the people 
are partly,supplied with seed from the United States. The princi¬ 
pal manufactures are linen goods, which, with provisions, form the 
chief exports. 

The Giants’ causeway is an astonishing work of nature. It is on 
the north coast of the island, and consists of millions of perpendicu¬ 
lar columns of stone, from 8 to 12 inches in diameter. These col¬ 
umns are generally seven sided, and are divided into lengths of 
about 18 inches; yet set upright one upon another, and so nicely 
fitted together, that a knife Wade can scarcely be inserted at the 
joints. There are several acres of these columns, from 1 to 15 feet 
above the level of the sea. Part of them are covered at high tide. 
Near this place,* the rocks along the shore rise to the height of 
several hundred feet, their fronts displaying, in one instance, irreg¬ 
ular perpendicular columns, to the length of 30 yards. 

Dublin is the chief city in Ireland. Some of its streets are truly 
magnificent, and its public edifices are numerous and beautiful. Its 
university is celebrated. The crowds of ragged and miserable 
wretcdies, who appear in every part of the city, however, tell a 
melancholy story of the poverty and distress which exist within 
and around it. The suburbs consist partly of streets of low mud 
hovels, through the turf roofs of which the smoke'issues without 
a chimney. These are the abodes of thousands who are reduced 
to the most abject poverty. There are whole streets, too, within 
the city, occupied by the poor, which display the most heart-rending 
sjiectacles of sorrow, destitution and distress. Population of Dub¬ 
lin, 227,000. Cork is the chief commercial city in Ireland, and is 
the great mart of provisions for the country. Pop. 100,000. 
Limerick, Belfast, Waterford, and Galway are places of considerable 
trade, and the seats of extensive linen manufactures. 

About four fifths of the Irish are Catholics. A great part of the 
land in Ireland is owned by large proprietors, who reside in England 
or other countries. They let their lands to men, who undenet 
them to the people on the hardest terms. The people are not only 
obliged to pay this excessive rent, but also to support their Catholic 


What i>i the climate? What is the principal article of food? What are extensively culti¬ 
vated? What is said of §;rass? Flax? What are the manufactures? Exports? Where is 
the Giants’ causeway? Describe it. What is the cliief city in Ireland? Describe Dublin. 
What of the suburbs? What of the poor in some of the streets in Dublin? W'hat of Cork? 
Limerick? llelfast? Waterford? Galwav? What part of the Irish population are Catho¬ 
lics? Who own a great part of the land in Ireland? To whom are these lands let? What 
of the neople? 



BRlTiail EMPIRE, 


157 

derq:y, whom they love; they are also required by the g-overnment 
to ]>ay one tenth part of their produce to the clergy of the church 
of England, whom they hate. After satisfying these various ex¬ 
actions, the people have little left to subsist upon; a few potatoes, 
and a small quantity of oat bread and milk, scarce sufficient to 
sustain life, is often the only reward of a family for a whole year’s 
labor! The following picture represents an Irishman stripped by 
an officer of' all his property; a scene not uncommon in this country. 



The hard situation of the lower classes in Ireland has had the 
effect to degrade the people, who are naturally full of wit and 
acuteness. Children have seen their parents vainly struggling to 
rise above poverty, and attain ease and competence. They have 
therefore regarded poverty as their lot, and observing so many 
others to be in the same condition as themselves, have not raisetl 
their hopes beyond it. If a people thus situated are ignorant and 
vicious, and there is no doubt the lower classes in Ireland are so, 
we can easily trace the cause of it to their situation. 

136. BRITISH EMPIRE— General View. 

Map of Europe. What sea between the British isles and the continent? What channel 
between England and France? Where are the Scilly isles? The isle of Wii^ht? Isle of 
Man? Hebrides or Western Isles? Orkney? Shetland isles? Where is Land’s End? 
What ocean are the British isles in? 


137. BRITISH EMPIRE, continued. 

The British empire consists of England, Wales, Scotland, and 
Ireland, and the adjacent islands. Its title is the United Kingdom 


What is often their reward after a whole year’s labor? Describe the picture. What effect 
has the hard situation of the lower Irish had tjpon them? What is said of the children.^ 
To what cause may the ignorance and vice of the Irish be attributed? 

137, What dobs the British empire consist of? What is its title? 

12* 







138 


BRITISH EMPIRE. 


of Great Britain and Ireland. It has colonial possessions in every 
quarter of the globe—in Asia, in Oceanica, in Africa, in North 
America, in the West Indies, in South America, and in Europe. 

The government of England is a limited monarchy. The king 
is hereditary; the people, having nothing to do with the choice of 
a king, take such a one as is born to them, good or bad. The king 
is not absolute, his power being checked by a parliament, which 
forms the legislative branch of the government. It consists of the 
house of lords, and the house of commons; the former is composed 
of peers who are hereditary; their titles and estates descending 
from the father to the eldest son. The commons are partly chosen 
by the people, though not in the equal and free manner in which 
we choose our officers in this country. 

The king of England resides chiefly in London. He has several 
palaces there and in the neighborhood. He holds himself aloof from 
the common people, and is seen by them only as he chances to pass 
ra])idly by in a coach, or on some occasion when he condescends to 
show himself in public. The persons whom he has chiefly about 
him are the nobility. Sometimes he holds levees, at which may be 
seen not only distinguished foreigners, but dukes, marquises, earls, 
vdscounts and barons. These are the various ranks of the nobility, 
and most of the individuals are entitled to a seat in the house of 
lords. 

The navy consists of about a thousand ships. About 200 of 
these are at present engaged in the service of the government, and 
emjiloy 35,000 seamen. The naval force of this country is greater 
than that of all the rest of Europe. The army of England is ex¬ 
tensive, and well trained. The bravery of her soldiers, and the 
skill and successful daring of her seamen, are proverbial. 

The established religion is that of the church of England, or 
Episcopacy. All persons, of whatever religious creed, in England, 
Wales, and Ireland, are obliged to contribute to the support of this 
church. All other forms of worship are tolerated, and there are 
many Independents, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Quakers, 
and Unitarians. In Ireland, four fifths of the people are Catholics. 
In Scotland, Presbyterianism is established by law. 

The government of Great Britain, in consequence of its various 
wars, has become involved in debt, to the prodigious amount of 
800,000,000 pounds sterling, a sum eqiial to 3,500,000,000 of dol¬ 
lars. In order to pay the interest of this debt, and also to dis- 


Where are its colonial possessions? What is the government of England? What is said of 
the king? His power? What does the legislature consist of? What of the house of lords^ 
House of commons? Where does the king resnle? What is said of him? Who may be 
seen at the king’s levees? To what are they entitled? Of what does the navy consist? How 
many seamen are employed by the government? What is said of the naval force of England? 
The aimy? What are proverbial? What is the established religion in England? Who con- 
tribiile to the support ot the church? Are other religions tolerated? What is the religion of 
Ireland? Of Scotland? What is the amount of the debt in which Great Britain is involved? 
What is done iu order to pay the interest of ibis debt? 



FRANCE. 


139 


charge the expenses of the government, very heavy taxes are laid, 
wliich often involve the country in great distress. Owing to the 
pressure of this debt and other causes, there are immense numbers 
of paupers. In the year^lSlb, they amounted, in England alone, 
to 1,000,000, which was about one-ninth part of the inhabitants. 

138. FRANCE. 

Map of Europe. In what direction must you travel to go from England to France? What 
part of the sea must you cross? Boundaries of France? What of the Seine? Loire? Ga¬ 
ronne? Rhone? Saone? What is the capital? Where is Paris? Direction from London? 
Boston? New York? P'rom where you are? Where is Rouen? Orleans? Nantes? Lyons? 
Bo'deaux? Toulouse? Marseilles? Strasburg? Toulon? What bay on the coast of France? 
What gulf? What island in the Mediterranean, near the coast of France? 


139. FRANCE, continued. 

France is divided into 86 departments; most of which take their 
names from rivers within their boundaries. In the north, a consid¬ 
erable portion of the country is level. The central portions are 
undulating. In the southeast, there are mountains, where the 
country presents great diversity of surface. There are large tracts 
of land unfit for cultivation; yet, on the whole, France is a fruitful 
and beautiful country. The chief productions are vines, olives, 
and maize or Indian corn, in the south; and grain of various kinds, 
beans, potatoes, and fruits, in the north. The climate is very fine; 
more agreeable, less moist, and less changeable than in England. 
This country is celebrated for its manufactures of silk and wool, 
and for its various wines and brandy. These articles constitute its 
chief exports. 

The principal rivers in France are the Loire, Garonne, Seine, 
Rhine, and Rhone. The latter is one of the most rapid rivers in 
Europe; its length is 500 miles. The Pyrenees, a range of moun¬ 
tains, divide France from Spain, and the Alps touch upon the south¬ 
east and separate it from Italy. The mount Jura chain divides it 
from Switzerland. The canal of Languedoc, the most celebrated 
in the country, is 148 miles long, and connects the Mediterranean 
sea with the bay of Biscay. There are several other useful and 
important canals. The island of Corsica in the Mediterranean, 
and some other small islasds, belong to France. 

.The government is a limited monarchy, resembling that of Eng¬ 
land, though the king has less power. All religions are tolerated. 


What IS (he consequence? What is the cause of the great number of paupers in Great 
Britain? What was (lie auiuunt of them in 1815? 

139. Into how many departments is France divided? From what do they take their names? 
What of the northern portions of the country? Central? Southeastern? Is all the land cul¬ 
tivated in France? What are (he productions of the south? Of the north? What of the 
climate of P'ranee as coinjiared with that of England? What is France celebrated for? What 
are its exports? What are the principal rivers in France? What of the Rhone? By what 
mountains is France separated from Spain? Italy? Switzerland? What of the canal of 
Languodoc? Are there any other canals? What islands belong to France? WMiat is the 
government of France? What of religion? What sect is the most numerous? 







140 


FRANCE. 


hut the Catholics are most numerous. There are colleges founded 
hy the government in the principal towns. Scientific and literary 
associations are numerous. The National Institute of Paris is the 
most celebrated scientific association in the world. The common 
people in France, however, are uneducated. The French language 
is derived from the Latin, and being more generally spoken in Eu- 
roj)e than any other, is that which travellers in various countries 
find most useful. It is peculiarly adapted to conversation, and a 
knowledge of it is an essential part of a finished education. 

Paris is the most pleasing city in the world. It abounds in mag¬ 
nificent edifices, palaces, promenades, public gardens, fountains, and 



places of amusement. The people have an air of peculiar cheerful¬ 
ness and gaiety, and if a stranger chances to need information, the 
ready civility with which his request is attended to, is truly gratify¬ 
ing. The city is surrounded by a wall, and is entered through 
gates which are closed at night. I'lie houses are for the most part 
from four to six stories high. They are built of freestone, obtain¬ 
ed from quarries beneath the city. These vast excavations, called 
the catacombs, have been used as a depository of the bones of the 
dead, where they have been arranged in a fanciful manner. Paris 
is the chief residence ol’ the king, and there the parliament meets. 
The king’s library contains 400,000 volumes. The king’s museum 
contains a most magnificent display of paintings and statuary. 
The king’s gardens embrace the most extensive and com])lete col¬ 
lection of specimens in the animal, mineral, and vegetable kingdoms 


Whnt of rollpge?? Associations? What of the Institute of Paris? What of the common 
peoi)le? What of the French laiiKuage? To what is it peculiarly adapted? I* a knowledge 
of it essential to a finished education? What is said of Paris? Describe the picture, lit- 
habitants? How is the city surrounded? How entered? What of the houses? Vv'hat are 
the catacombs? Who resides at Paris? Where does the parliament meet? 

How many volumes docs the king’s library contain? Describe the king’s museum. Gar¬ 
dens. 






















FRANCE. 


141 


in the world. This gay city, which at first seems only made for 
pleasure and amusement, will be found on examination to contain 
within its walls some of the most scientific and profound scholars 
that any age has produced. 

Paris sets the fashions for Europe, and in some measure for 
America. An immense trade is here carried on in articles of dress, 
by tailors and mantuamakers. Every week the female fashions are 
changed, and every month there is a new cut for male attire. Yet 
while they are so fickle in the metropolis, in many parts of France 
the fashion is unchangeable. People may at all times be seen in 
Paris from different parts of the kingdom, attired in the exact cos¬ 
tumes of a century ago. Pop. of Paris, 890,000. 

Besides Paris, there are many other large and celebrated towns 
in Franee. Lyons is renowned for its rich silk goods, and gold and 
silver stuffs; Pop. 160,000; Marseilles, as a seaport; Pop. 116,000; 
Bordeaux, for its wines; Pop. 94,000; Rouen, for its manufac¬ 
tures; Pop. 87,000; Montpelier, as the resort of invalids; Versailles 
for its palace; Pop. 30,000; Strasburg, for its cathedral, the spire 
of which is the loftiest artificial construction in the world; Pop. 
50,000. Brest has a pop. of 26,000, and Toulon of 31,000. These 
two are naval stations. 

The character of the French is the reverse of that of the English. 
The latter are reserved and haughty, the former are sociable and 
polite. The superior classes in France are very attentive to the 
exercises of dancing, fencing, and riding, in all which they excel, 
and their example is followed as much as possible by their inferiors. 
Politeness and good manners may be traced through all ranks. The 



W^ha< 13 said of the scientific men in Pans? What trade is earned on in Paris? What 
of the fashions in Paris? In different parts of France? What other towns in France? Fo' 
what is Lyons celebrated? What of Marseilles? Bordeaux? Uoiien? Montpellier? Ver¬ 
sailles? What of the cathedral of Strasburg? Brest and Toulon? What is the character of 
the French as compared with that of the English? Describe the employments and manuerj 
ofihe Fneiioin 
















142 


SPAIN, 


civility of the men is emulated by the modest de}X)rtment of the 
women; and in fine evenings the streets and public places of the 
towns are filled with groups of both sexes, engaged in conversation, 
of which the French people are passionately fond. 

The women of France take an active part in the concerns of life. 
At court, they are jioliticians; in the city, they are merchants and 
shopkeepers; in the country, they labor on the farms with the men. 
There is scarcely any operation in rural economy, in which they 
do not take a part; they may even be sometimes seen holding the 
plough in the field. They often perform long journeys alone, 
without the protection of men, and the discretion and energy of 
character which they display under such circumstances, is surpris¬ 
ing. The lower classes of women never wear bonnets, and they 
may be seen at all times in the open air, with only a slight cap on 
their heads. The preceding cut exhibits a French diligence, and 
women at work at a vineyard. 

140. SPAIN. 

Map of Europe. In what direction must you travel to eo from France to Spain? What 
chain of mountains must you cross? Boundaries of Spain? What of the river Tagus? Duero? 
Minho? Guadiana? Guadalquiver? Ebro? What of the Pyrenees? The Cantabrian moun¬ 
tains’ Sierra Morena? What bay north of Spain^ What straits between the Atlantic and 
Mediterranean sea? What countries are separated by the straits of Gilualtar? 

What islands in the Mediterranean, near to Spain? Where is cape Trafalgar? Cape Finis- 
terre? What is the capital? Where is Madrid? Direction from Paris? London? Boston? 
Washington? New York? From where you are? Where is Cadiz? Seville? Grenada? 
Salamanca? Toledo? Valencia? Talavera? Barcelona? Malaga? Saragossa^ Torlosa? 
Carthagena? Is Spain a peninsula? Where, then, is the isthmus? 


141. SPAIN, CONTINUED. 

Spain is divided into 81 provinces, several of them being called 
kingdoms. There are many mountains in various parts of the 
country, and a great portion of the land is elevated. Its surface 
presents a beautiful variety of slopes, valleys, streams, and plains. 
In some parts, the scenery is wild and picturesque in a high degree. 
The climate is very mild and pleasant; the winter is gentle, and in 
summer the air is refreshed by sea breezes. Those parts watered 
by the rivers are fertile, but the soil is badly tilled, and large por¬ 
tions of the country are nearly uninhabited. The productions are 
wine, sugar, maize, wheat, rice, hemp, silk, olives, and various 
fruits, as oranges, lemons, &c. There are mines of copper, iron, 
and other metals. 

There is no country more favored by nature than Spain, and 
industry might soon make it one of the richest and most productive 
portions of the globe. The manufactures are few; that of silk is 
the jirincipal. The exports consist of silk; wool of a very fine 
quality, produced from the merino sheep, which are raised on the 
mountains; wines, figs, raisins, lemons, &c. 

What is sairl of the wruiicn of I'raiice? Describe the picture. 

Hi. Ilow is Spain divided? What of the land in Spain? What does its surface present? 
What of the scenery? Glimate? Soil? Bieductions'' Mines? Whai is said of the couutc^ 
Manufactures^ Exports? 



SPAIN. 


MS 


Montserrat, 20 miles from Barcelona, is a lofty mountain, near 
4,000 feet hipfh, of a very curious shape, on which is a famous 
monastery. This is a building- where Catholics devote themselves 
to religion, and take a vow never to return and mingle in the alfairs 
of the world. There are about 60 monks in the monastery of 
Montserrat, and higher iij) the mountain are 13 hermitages, which 
are buildings inhabited by hermits. These hermits are princijially 
persons otf distinction who have retired from the world. The 
Catholic church teaches that such seclusion is praiseworthy; and in 
Catholic countries, multitudes of men, called monks, or friars, and 
women, called nuns, are shut up in nunneries and monasteries, 
devoted to praying, fasting, penance, and various ceremonies. In 
Spain there are many of these institutions, and thousands are im¬ 
mured within their walls. 

There are several universities in Spain, of which that of Sala¬ 
manca is the most celebrated. Education, as well among the rich 
as the poor, is in a backward state. The government lends no aid, 
and the Catholic clergy, who have vast influence, oppose the dif¬ 
fusion of general knowledge. 

The government of Spain is a despotism; a government in 
which the power is vested in the hands of one man. The king is 
absolute; he has generally exerted his power chiefly with a regard 
to his own pleasure, and with no enlightened view to the good of 
the people. The inquisition, a court which held its sittings in 
secret, and inflicted the most horrible tortures, was upheld in Spain 
for three centuries, but is now abolished. 

The farther we pursue our inquiries into the state of different 
countries, the more evidence shall we gain, that the happiness or 
misery of a people depends mainly on the government. Spain is an 
instance of a great nation, occupying one of the most delightful 
regions on the earth, degraded, poor, ignorant and weak, through 
the bad influence of a bad government. 

Madrid, the capital, and chief residence of the king, is 2,000 feet 
above the level of the sea, and is a magnificent city. Pop. 200,000. 
Cadiz, situated on the island of Leon, is the first commercial town 
in Spain. Pop. 70,000. Seville, on the Guadalquiver, was in 
ancient times the residence of the Gothic kings, and is said to have 
contained more than half a million of people. The populatir)n at 
present is 100,000. Gibraltar, a promontory, 1500 feet high, con¬ 
tains a fortress so strengthened by nature and art, as to be esteemed 


Describe Montserrat. What is a monastery? What are hermitages? Who are the hermits 
who occupy them? What does the Catholic church teach? What is done in Catholic 
countries? In Spain? W'hat is the most celebrated university in Spain? What of educa¬ 
tion? What influence have the Catholic clergy? How do they use it? What is the govern¬ 
ment of Spain? What is said of the king? What is the Inquisition? Upon what does the 
happiness or misery of a people mainly depend? What influence has a had government had 
on Sp'aiu^ What of Madrid? Cadiz'’ Seville'* What is Gibraltar? What does it contain? 



144 


PORTUGAL. 


the most formidable m the world. This fortress belongs to Great 
Britain. Pop. of the town 12,000. 

The language of Spain, a mixture of the Latin with Gothic and 
monkish dialects, is rich, stately, and sonorous. The people of 
Spain are of a swarthy complexion, and are as remarkable for 
gravity, and a sort of pensive dignity of deportment, as the French 
are for gaiety. In religion they are devoted Catholics, and pay 
great reverence to the priests. They are exceedingly polite, even 



to the very lowest classes. Dancing is the favorite amusement, 
which is performed with great spirit and grace; it is practised in 
the country in the open air. Smoking is universal. A traveller 
remarks that it is as much a matter of course for smoke to come 
out of a Spaniard’s mouth as out of a chimney. 

Bull-fights are common in the large towns. People of all ranks 
and conditions crowd to these s])ectacles, and ladies of the highest 
rank are eager to witness these brutal exhibitions. 

142. PORTUGAL. 

Map of Europe. In what direction must you travel to go from Madrid to Lisbon? How is 
Portugal bounded? Describe the Tagus; Duero j Guadiana. What is the capital? Where 
is Lisbon? Direction from Paris? London? Boston? New York? p'rom where you are? 

143. PORTUGAL, continued. 

This kingdom is divided into six provinces. The face of the 
country is diversified with mountains, valleys, and plains. The 


To whom belong? What of the language of Spain? For what are the Spaniards remarka¬ 
ble? What is their religion? How do they treat their priests? Describe the picture. What 
of their politeness? W nat is the favorite amusement? What is said of smoking? What of 
bull-fights? Who attend them? t 

14^. How is the kingdom of Portugal divided? Face of the country? 














PORTDGAL. 145 

climate is fine; the soil fruitful, but badly cultivated; the produc¬ 
tions are wines, honey, oranges, olives, figs, and other fruits. 

Lisbon, tlie cajiitaF, has a fine harbor, and is one of the most 
commercial cities in Europe. It has a great trade in wines and fruits, 
with the United States, and England. A great part of the city 
was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, hut has been since rebuilt. 
Pop. 240,000. Oporto, the second city in the kingdom, gives 
name to the celebrated red wine called port, which is the favorite 
wine in England. Population 80,000. 

In education, the Portuguese are even more backward than the 
Spaniards. They are devoted Catholics in religion. Their lan¬ 
guage is nearly the same as the Spanish. Their government is 
des])Otic. 

The Portuguese have swarthy complexions, black hair, and 
dark eyes. The lower classes are more lively and industrious than 
the Spaniards. The fashion of dress with the women never 
changes. Milliners and fancy dress makers are almost unknown 
in Lisbon. Dancing is the favorite amusement. The peasantry 
live in miserable huts almost entirely without furniture; sit cross- 
legged on the ground without chairs, and feed on coarse bread and 
garlic. Beggars are numerous, and rather demand than heg. 
Grain is not threshed, but trodden out by the oxen; tailors sit at 
their work like shoemakers; and hair dressers appear at church on 
Sunday with a sword and a cockade! In visiting a jierson of any 
rank, it is necessary to wear a sword and a cocked hat, and go in a 
coacJi. 

'I'lie following jiicture represents some Portuguese engaged in 
their favorite amusement. 



Climate? Soil? Productions? What of Lisbon? What happened in 1755? What of 
Oporto? What of education in Portugal? What is the relieion? What of the language^ 
Wiiat of the government? Describe the Portuguese people. What of fashions? What is the 
favorite amusement? How do the peasantry live? What of beggars^ What of the ousloiHS 
of the Portuguese? Describe the picture. 

IS 












146 


ITALY. 


144. ITALY. 

Map of Europe. Suppose you in a ship from Lisbon to Naples, what ocean do you set 
out upon? What straits do you pass? What sea do you enter? What country do you pass 
on your ri^ht hand? What islands belonging to Spain do you pass on your left? Where is 
Sicily? Sardinia? Corsica? Lipaii isles? ' Malta? Where is the gulf of Venice? Taranto? 

flow is Italy hounded? What range of mountains in Italy? In what direction does the 
range of the Apennines run? Where is mount Vesuvius? Etna? What of the river Po? 
Tiber? Where is Rome? Direction from Lisbon? Madrid? Paris? London? New York? 
Boston? From where you are? Where is Naples? Genoa? Florence? Turin? Leghorn? 
Taranto? Salerno? Bologna? St. Marino? Messina? Ravenna? 

145. ITALY. Separate Countries. 

The peninsula of Italy is imagined to resemble a boot in shape. 
It was once the seat of a mighty empire, hut is now divided among 
several governments. 

Lombardy and Venice lie between the river Po on the south, and 
the Alps on the north, and belong to the dominions of the king of 
Austria. This territory is sometimes called Austrian Italy. Ven¬ 
ice is the capital. Mantua, Milan, and Verona, are the principal 
places. Pop. about 4,000,000. 

The kingdom of Sardinia embraces the island of Sardinia, and 
the northwestern portion olTtaly bordering upon the Alps. Turin 
is the capital. Genoa, Nice, and Cagliari, are the principal places. 
Pop. about 4,000,000. 

Modena, Lucca, and Parma are small territories called dutchies, 
south of Austrian Italy. Modena is under the government of 
Duke Francis, of the house of Austria. Lucca and Parma are 
under the government of Marie Louise, wife of the celebrated Na- 
polean Bonaparte. 

The grand-dutchy of Tuscany is situated on the Mediterranean^ 
the capital is Florence; Leghorn is one of the principal towns. It 
is under the sovereignty of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria. Pop. 
1,300',000. The island of Elba, celebrated as the place of Bona¬ 
parte’s temporary banishment, belongs to it. 

The States of the Church lie partly on the gulf of Venice, and 
partly on the Mediterranean. Rome is the capital. Bologna, Ra¬ 
venna, and Ancona, are the principal towns. Pop. 2,500,000. The 
pope reigns over the people of these territories as their sovereign. 
He resides at Rome, in a palace called the Vatican. Once, the 
power of the pope was more extensive than that of any king 
or emperor. His dominions are now reduced to the small territory 
which we are describing. He has authority however, in spiritual 
matters, over the members of the Catholic church in all countries. 


145. What does (he peninsula of Italy resemble? What was it once? How is it now di¬ 
vided? What of Lombardy and Venice? What are they sometimes called? What is the 
capital? What are the principal places in Austrian Italy? What is the population? What 
of the kittgdom of Sardinia? Capital? Chief towns? Population? What ol Modena? Luc 
ca? Parma? What of the grand-dutchy of Tuscany? Ca|)ital? Principal town? Under 
whose sovereignty is it? Population? What island belongs to it^ For what is the island of 
Elba celebrated? Where are the States of the Churcti? Capital? Principal towns? Who 
13 the sovereigu^ Where does he reside' What of the poj>e' His former and proeent power' 




ITALY. 


147 


Most of the Catholics hold the opinion that the pope cannot err in 
religious matters, and submit implicitly to his ecclesiastical decrees. 



They hold that he is the lawful successor of St. Peter, and that to 
him are committed the keeping of the keys of heaven. By virtue 
of authority thus derived, he is supposed to have the privilege of 
granting pardon for sin, and of giving indulgences, which remove 
the liability to punishment in a future state. 

The republic of St. Marino occupies a mountain, and a surround¬ 
ing district of forty miles, within the pope’s territories. The peo¬ 
ple elect their magistrates, but are under the pope’s protection. 
The inhabitants are a simple, industrious people, who have main¬ 
tained their independence for a thousand years. Pop. 7,000. 

The kingdom of Naples, or the two Sicilies, incluile all Italy 
south and west of the pope’s dominions, together with the island 
of Sicily. Naples is the capital, Taranto, Palermo, Salerno, and 
Syracuse, are the principal towns. The population of Naples is 
6,700,000. The government is despotic. 

146. ITALY. General View. 

A large portion of Italy is mountainous. Its scenery is beautiful, 
and greatly diversified. Austrian Italy consists principally of a fer¬ 
tile plain. A great part of the soil is fruitful, and under high cul¬ 
tivation, particularly on the north. It abounds in the richest pro¬ 
ductions—wine, corn, silk, oil, and various fruits. Its climate is the 
finest in Europe. 

Mount Etna, on the island of Sicily, is one of the most celebrat¬ 
ed volcanoes in the world. Its height is about two miles, and its 


What do the Catholics believe? Describe the picture. Population of the States of the 
Church? What of the republic of St. Marino? Inhabitants? Population? What of the 
kingdom of Naples? Capital? Principal towns? Population? Government'" 

.H6. Facfi af tlie caupti/iit Ital;'? iioil? Producitou*^ Climate'" Describe mount Etna. 


























148 


ITALY. 


lava has been thrown to the distance of thirty miles. Large stones 
have been projected from its mouth 7,000 feet into the air. Its 
various eruptions have been the theme of wonder and astonishment 
for ages. The sides of this mountain are fertile, and the lower 
parts are occupied with towns and villages, which are constantly 
liable to be overwhelmed by the volcano. Vesuvius, within sight 
of the city of Naples, is another remarkable volcanic mountain, 
4,000 feet high. Herculaneum and Pompeii, two ancient cities in 
the vicinity of Naples, were overwhelmed, in the year 79, by an 
eruption of this mountain, and remained buried beneath the lava 
for more than 1600 years. The lava has been partly removed, and 
whole streets, with various works of art, have been found in a re¬ 
markable state of preserv'ation. Stromboli, a volcano of the 
Lipari isles, emits flames, which may be seen at night at the dis¬ 
tance of 100 miles. It is sometimes called thfe lighthouse of the 
Mediterranean. 

Naples, the largest city in Italy, is alike celebrated for the sur¬ 
passing beauty of its bay, and the delightful scenery around it. 
On approaching the city, Vesuvius is in view in the back ground, 
vhile olive and orange groves, vineyards, villas, and villages, occu- 
y the hills, which slope down to the water. The population of 
Naples is about 350,000. Rome is perhaps the most renowneo 
spot on the globe. Though now reduced, it retains many features 
of its former greatness, and its gloomy ruins still testify to the 
splendor of its ancient edifices. St. Peter’s church is esteemed the 
finest in the world. It has been finished about 200 years, and was 
100 years in building. Its length is 720 feet, its height 500, its 
width 510. It is at least sixty times as large as the common meet¬ 
ing-houses in New England. The population of Rome is about 
140,000. 

Florence, situated on the river Arno, in a delightful valley, is 
accounted one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Genoa is 
celebrated for its beautiful bay, and the fine prospect exhibited on 
approaching it. It has been styled the city of a thousand palaces. 
Venice, built on a hundred islands at the head of the Adriatic sea, 
or gulf of Venice, was once a city of vast commerce. It has 
greatly declined, but it still abounds with costly edifices, and mag¬ 
nificent works of art. Pop. 110,000. Milan has one of the n .ot 
beautiful churches in the world. 

There are many other places in Italy worthy of note, either for 
their beauty, their works of art, their ruins, or their remarkable his¬ 
tory. Remains of ancient temples, amphitheatres, triumphal arches, 
bridges, aqueducts, fountains, and roads, some of them evincing 


Vesuvius. When and how were Herculaneum and Pompeii destroyed.'’ What have been 
found on removing (he lava.^ What of Stromboli.? What is it sometimes called.? Describe 
the city of Naples; Rome; St. Peter’s church. Population of Rome.? What of Florence.* 
Genoa.? Venice.? Milan? Are there many other plates worthy of note? What are found ta 
various parts of Italy? 



ITALY. 149 

great taste and skill, and others evidently the fruit of vast labor, 
are found in various parts of this celebrated land. 

Ill most of the large towns there are rich and valuable collections 
of paintings and sculpture, in which the artists of Italy have ex¬ 
celled all other nations. Attracted by its delightful climate, its 
interesting vestiges of antiquity, and its admirable works of art, 
hundreds of persons from various parts of Europe, annually visit 
it, and many foreigners select it as the place of their permanent 
abode. Yet Italy wears a melancholy aspect; the cities are throng¬ 
ed with beggars; society is deeply contaminated with vice; the 
buildings have a look of decay and dilapidation; and all around 
declares that this beautiful country languishes under the malady of 
a despotic government. 

The language of Italy is derived originally from the Latin, and 
is the most elegant and melodious of modern languages. It is 
particularly adapted to vocal music, in which the Italians are 
acknowledged to excel all othg;- nations. It is not uncommon to 
see persons in the streets who sing songs which are composed at 
the moment. 



In their external deportment, the Italians have a grave solemnity 
of manner, which is sometimes thought to arise from natural 
gloominess of disposition; but they are nevertheless cheerful, and 
give themselves up with ardor to every pleasure, binder every 
form of government, they seem to acquiesce, and conceal their sen¬ 
timents by a rigid silence. Diij)licity is a striking characteristic 
of the j)eople. They are Catholics, and pay great reverence to 
images, which are set up at the corners of all the streets. They 
mingle licentiousness and superstition in a remarkable degree. 

What do most of the laifce towns contain? Why do so many foreigners vidt Italy? What 
of the cities? Society? Buildings? W'hat does alt around declare? What of the Ian 
guage of Ltajy? To ’what is it particularly adapted? Describe the picture. What is the 
character of the Italians? 

13* 
















152 


GREECE 


indolent, and addicted to jealousy, which leads the ^ acts of 
violence and cruelty. They are hospitable to strangers, and cara¬ 
vansaries, or public inns, are established by the government in almost 
every village, where travellers may be gratuitously entertained for 
three days. In religion, the Turks are intolerant; they call all 
who do not believe the Koran, infidels; and esteem it lawful to 
take their lives and property, if they refuse to be converted to the 
Mahometan faith. The Turks sit crosslegged, on cushions or sofas; 
eat without knives and forks; refuse wine, but intoxicate themselves 
with opium. Such are the indolent habits of the people, that even 
a carpenter sits at his work, and holds the board upright with his 
toes, while he saws it. Chess and draughts are their favorite 
amusements. They are fond of war, are dexterous horsemen, and 
m the first onset of battle, are- daring even to rashness; but their 
courage is not patient, nor lasting. 

149. GREECE. 

Map of Europe. Boundaries? What of the Morea? Of Negropont? Scio, or Chios? 
Samos? I'atmos? What is the capital? Where is Napoli? Direction from Constantinople? 
Paris? London? Washington? New York? Boston? From where you are? Where la 
Corinth? Missolonghi? Athens? Laiissa? What cluster of islands between Greece and 
Asia Minor? 

150. GREECE, continued. 

Greece consists of a small peninsula projecting into the Medi- 
tt'rrancan, together with numerous islands in its vicinity. This 
country, which, 3000 years ago, was the seat of one of the most 



polished nations of antiquity, has been for centuries subjected to 


What of caravansaries? What is the religion of Ttirkev? What are those esteemed who 
do not believe the Koran? What of the manners of the Turks? What of then- indolence? 
Amnseinents? Courage’ 

150. Of what does Greece cnusist? W'Uat of this country? 













rONIAN REPUBLIC. 


153 


if the odious semtude of Turkey. Within a few years, the people 
> have made a gallant, and successful effort for independence. The 
St preceding engraving represents a Turk flying from the country pur 
If sued by a Greek. 

.j The interior of Greece is greatly diversified with rugged moun- 
0 tains, and with fertile and picturesque vales. Along*^the shores, 
e there are beautiful plains, the soil of which is fruitfuf, and the cli- 
mate delightful. There are many inlets and bays, affording great 
3 (facilities for commerce, and presenting strong inducements to navi- 
n gation. In various parts of Greece-, there still remain many iriter- 
3 ;i esting monuments of antiquity. The ruins of temples known to 
e.have been built 3000 years ago, exist at the present day. It is re- 
J i markable that these remains exhibit a style of architecture, common 
r! in that remote age, more truly chaste and beautiful, than has been 
j since devised. After all the improvements of modern times, we are 
I obliged to admit, that the ancient Greeks are our masters in this 
; noble art. 

, I Athens, one of the most celebrated cities of antiquity, and the 
! I birth-place of some of the most renowned orators, philosophers and 
I, generals of those remote ages, is now a small -town of jioor, mean 
i houses, strangely contrasted with the sublime relics of its ancient 
splendor. Pop. 10,000. Corinth, formerly one of the most flour¬ 
ishing cities of Greece, now contains but 1,300 inhabitants. 

-,The modern Greeks are of what is called the Greek church: this 
, religion resembles the Catholic in many of its doctrines, rites and 
ceremonies. The people do not use images, but pictures, in wor¬ 
ship; they are very superstitious, believing in dreams, omens, and 
prodigies. They have venerated caverns, sacred groves, consecrated 
springs, are great observers of fasts, and are kept in constant awe 
'I by their priests. 

I The Greeks are in character' very unlike the Turks. Tliey are 
‘lively, active, enterprising, and industrious; lovers of the arts, skil¬ 
lful, cunning, and deceitful in trade; they are fond of dress, delight 
jin whatever is beautiful, are easy and eloquent in their speech, and 
'warm and passionate in their feelings. The women are delicate 
,and beautiful, and are exceedingly fond of jewels. The houses of 
the poorer Greeks are low, inconvenient mud cabins; the better 
j houses are one story, of stone, with large gardens. 

151. IONIAN REPUBLIC. 

Map of Europe. Where are the Ionian isles? Direction of Zante from Constantinople? 
London? New York? 


What have the people done within a few years? Describe the picture. Face of the 
country in the interior? On the shores? Soil? Climate? What of inlets and bays? 
What still remain in many parts of Greece? What is remarkable concerning architecture? 
What must we admit? Describe Athens; population; Corinth; population; religion of 
the modern Greeks; their usages; superstitions; observances. Who keep them in awe^ 
Character of the Greeks? Women? Houses? 







1^1 


SWITZERLAND. 


152. IONIAN REPUBLIC, continued. ' 

The seven Ionian isles, Corfu, Cephalonia, Zante, St. Maura, 
Cerigo, Ithaca, and Paxu, form a small republic, under the proteoi’ 
lion of Great Britain. The people amount to about 175,000, and , 
are chiefly Greeks and Italians. 

They are sagacious and enterprising, and carry on considerable.' 
commerce in wine, olive oil, and distilled spirits, the fruits of their j 
own industry. Their president is appointed by the king of Eng- ‘ 
land. 


153. SWITZERLAND. 


Mnp of Europe. In what direction is Switzerland from Greece? Botindaries? What 
lakfj? What mountains between Switzerland and Italy? Capital? Direction of Berne from 
('onstantinople? Athens? Rome? London? Madrid? Paris? New York? From you^ 
V* here is Geneva? Zurich? 


i 


154. SWITZERLAND, continued. i 

Switzerland is divided into 22 cantons; it is a country of lofty ii 
mountains, many of whose peaks are always crowned with snow, j 
Between these mountains are deep and awful chasms, threatening i 
preeijnees, wild and dark ravines, with here and there a quiet lake, i 
and occasionally a peaceful and fertile valley. Switzerland is fulP ' 
of wonders, and is as much visited on account of its astonishing , 
works of nature, as Italy is for its ruins and its productions of art. ' ^ 
The glaciers of Switzerland are vast masses of ice, which have i 
been accumulating in the higher parts of the mountains for ages. 
Nothing can be more striking than their appearance from the val¬ 
leys. Their shapes are often beautiful, sometimes presenting the 
image of a city of crystal, with its towers, spires, and turrets, glit¬ 
tering in the sun. The avalanches are heaps of snow and ice, 
which are piled up in winter, and, as spring approaches, are loosen¬ 
ed from their lofty elevations, and, descending with awful violence, 
often bury the unwary traveller, and sometimes whole villages, be¬ 
neath their prodigious masses. Parts of mountains have been un- . 
del mined, and precipitated into the valleys. 

It would seem that a country like this would be almost uninhabit¬ 
able. But the Swiss have not only built towns and cities along the 
borders of their beautiful lakes, but they have planted villages in 
their narrow valleys, and even beneath the impending glaciers. 
'I'he traveller, as he ])asses between the rugged mountains, may see 
houses and churches grouped together on their sides, one above 
another, apparently having no broader foundation than the points 
ol' ciiti’s upon which they seem suspended. Yet the people liye 


152. What are the seven Ionian isles? Wliat do they form^ Under whose protection are 
tiicy? What of the people? Their character? Commerce? Who appoints their president? 

154. /low is Switzerland divided? Faceof (he country? Whv is it much visited? Describe 
I,he t;laciei-8 5 avalanches. What is the efiefct when an avalanche descends^ Where have 
tlie Siwsa placed their habitatiousj' What oi the people? 





SWITZERLAND 


* 135 


happily and cheerfully, and prefer their country to every other. 

; They cultivate vineyards on the rocky slopes of the hills and moun- 
y tains, and raise wheat and catile to some extent. Idieir climate 
j IS about as cold as that of Ncav England, and in the higher parts 
It is still colder. Among the mountains, great quantities of snow 
, fall in winter, and the roads in many parts are impassable for seve- 
' [ ral months. 

The lake of Geneva, or lake Leman, is one of the most beautiful 

{ )ieces of water in the world: the lake of Constance is also cele- 
)rated for its beautiful scenery. Lakes Neufchatel, Lucerne, Zug, 
and Zurich, are the other lakes of Switzerland. 

, The Alps overspread the whole of the southern part of Switzer- 
i land. Mont Blanc is the most celebrated peak. It is always cov- 
I ered with snow, and is visible from almost all parts of Switzerland, 
t When a traveller is in this country, this mountain seems to follow 
him every where; it never looks distant, but appears to approach, 
and ])eep over the hills and mountains, as if to watch his steps, and 
pry into his secrets. Both the Rhine and Rhone have their sour 
ces in the Alps. 

, There is a university at Geneva of considerable distinction; 
another at Basle; and colleges at Zurich, Berne, Lucerne, and 
i Schaffhausen. The celebrated Pestalozzi established his school in 
this country, and his valuable ideas on education are extensively dis¬ 
seminated. The school of Fellenberg, at Hofwyl, five miles from 
Berne, has great celebrity, and is the model on which many other 
schools in Europe and America have been formed. Common edu- 
; cation is universally attended to in Switzerland. 

\ The Swiss are partly Catholics, and partly Calvinists and Uni- 
ij tarians. Their government is republican, each canton being inde- 
i pendent; but for common safety they are united in a confederacy, 
\ governed by what is called a Diet, who meet at Berne. The sove- 
■ reignty of Neufchatel belongs to the present king of Prussia, who 
j appoints the governor. 

jj Geneva is the most celebrated of the Swiss towns. It is delight- 
|i fully situated at the southern point of the lake of Geneva. Fiom 
1 the city is a sublime view of the distant Alps, their points covered 
f with snow, mont Blanc towering above them all, and lifting its 
' dazzling front over the clouds. The city is surrounded by a wall. 
Among its citizens are some of the most learned men in Europe. 
It was the birth-place of Rousseau, and the place where Calvin re¬ 
sided. Pop. 25,000. 


Are they fond of their country? What is cultivated by them? What is the climate^ 
What of snow? Roads? What of the lake of Geneva? Lake Constance? Neufchatel? 
Lucerne? Zug? Zurich? What of the Alps? What is the most'celebrated peak? De¬ 
scribe mont Blanc. What of the Rhine? Rhone? What of universities? Colleges? What 
of Pestalozzi? The school of Fellenberg? Common education? What is the religion of the 
Swiss? What is the government? What of the canton of Neufchatel? What of Geneva? 

I Where is it situated? What view is there to be seen from Geneva^ How is it surrounded’’ 
What Wflc-arnetlmen'^ Of Rtmsseau^ Cahvhi* Population’ 







156 


SWITZERLAND. 


Berne is a pleasant, well built city; on entering it, a traveller is 
struck with its singular neatness and beauty. Basle is beautifully 
situated on the banks of the Rhine, and has a fine cathedral. It 
may be remembered as the place where the art of making paper 
was invented. Pop. 16,000. Lausanne, a large town on the lake 
of Geneva, has acquired a character for the politeness and charms 
of its society. , 

Several languages are spoken in Switzerland. On the German j 
side, the people speak a dialect of the German; and French and i 
Italian are used in the districts which border on France and Italy, i 
The houses in the villages are generally built of wood. The peo- | 
])le are frank, active, laborious, and brave, and devotedly attached \ 
to the liberty of their country. In many parts, the doors are left ' 
without locks, because there are no thieves. The dress of the peo- * 
pie is very singular, but suited to their wild and picturesque coun- i 
try. Nothing can be more pleasing than to see the inhabitants, on 
a Sabbath morning, flocking down from the dizzy hills, and emerg- ! 



mg from the dark ravines, to attend church.' It is impossible not 
to be struck with the superior happiness of these self-governed 
mountaineers, to that of many weak and slavish nations, who inhabit 
a more prolific soil, but are yet subjects of despotism. It is proper 
to remark, however^ that the freedom of Switzerland is restrained 
by the influence of monarchical institutions around it. There is a 
good deal of religious bigotry among the })eople; and in Berne and 
some other cantons, there have been recently some gross instances 
of persecution, on account of religious opinions. 


What of Berne? Basle? Lausanne? What of the languages of Switzerland? Houses? 
Inhabitants? Dress of the people? W'hat is a pleasing sight in Switzerland? Dcscnl>o 
the picture. What of the happiness of Switzerland compared with that of other nations^ 
Wliat of liberty in Switzerland? Religious intolerance? 













AUSTRIA. 


157 


, 155. AUSTRIA. 

t Map of Europe. In what direction must you travel to go from Geneva to Vienna in Aus¬ 

tria? How is Austria bounded? What mountains in Austria? What of the Danube? The 
‘i Drave? Capital? Direction of Vienna from Constantinople? Paris'" Rome? Madrid? 
!; London? Boston? From where you are? Where is Prague? Trieste? Presburg? 
j i Inspruck? Olmutz? Gratz? 

j 156. AUSTRIA, continued. 

1 ‘ The Austrian dominions consist of one third part of what was 
once called Germany; nearly one fourth part of Italy; the king- 
( dom of Hungary; and a considerable portion of what once belong- 
I ed to the kingdom of Poland. The surface of the country in the 
, German districts, occupying the western and northern portions, is 
diversified, and in some parts mountainous. In Hungary, which 
embraces the eastern division, there are very extensive plains with 
I some mountains. A considerable part of the soil is fertile and pro¬ 
ductive; a large part also is covered by mountains. The Italian 
part of Austria has been called the Garden of Europe, on account 
of its excellent cultivation and abundant fertility. The productions 
of Austria are various. Hungary produces gold, silver, copper, 
and iron, besides wine and cattle. Quicksilver, salt and coal, are 
produced in other parts of Austria. 

There are universities at Vienna, Prague, and other places. The 
Roman Catholic religion prevails, and is established by law, but 
other religions are tolerated. The government is a monarchy, the 
sovereign being styled emperor. The different countries of which 
the empire is composed, in part retain their original laws; the 
power of the emperor is therefore more or less limited in the vari¬ 
ous provinces. 

Vienna is the seat of the Austrian court, and possesses many 
marks of magnificence. It is the centre of considerable trade. 
I, Voluptuousness and dissipation prevail among the higher classes. 
Near the city is the Prater, a celebrated place of amusement, con¬ 
sisting of a grove, laid out with promenades and avenues: houses 
and cottages are scattered throughout this grove, occupied by sellers 
of coffee and lemonade, confectioners, musicians, rope-dancers, and 
jugglers. Pop. 310,000. ' 

Trieste is an important seaport. Gratz is celebrated for its forti- 
, fications; Austerlitz for a famous battle in which Bonaparte was 
victorious. Buda was the former capital of Hungary, and is dis¬ 
tinguished for its ])alaces and baths. Pop. 30,000. Schemnitz and 
Cremnitz are known for their mines, and Tokay is famous for pro¬ 
ducing a choice species of wine. 


156. What does the Austrian empire embrace? Divisions? Face of the country in the 
German districts? Face of the country in Hungary? Soil? The Italian part of Austria? 
Productions of Austria? Of Hungary? What universities? What of religion? Government’ 
Laws? Power of the eniiieror? What of Vienna? What is the Prater? How is it occi 4 )ied^ 
What of Trieste’ Gratz? Austerlitz? Buda.'" Schemnitz and Cremnitz'" Tokay'" 

14 







158 


AUSTRIA. 


The Austrian character partakes of the German outline, m which 
sincerity, industry, and a love of order are conspicuous. The Aus¬ 
trians have also patience and perseverance, favorable to mechanical 
inventions. They unite great physical vigor, with astonishing self- 
command, forbearance, and good nature. They possess a liveliness 
of character wliich distinguishes them in some degree from other 
German nations. Smoking is an almost universal practice, and 



the pursuit of instrumental music, for which they have great ge¬ 
nius, is common both in town and country. The preceding picture 
represents a company of musicians. 

Hungary constitutes an important part of the Austrian empire. 
Idle Hungarians are a mixed race, descended from various nations. 
The ancient Huns were an Asiatic tribe, who are su])posed to have 
inhabited Independent Tartary. Various'other tribes of similar 
origin established themselves in different parts of Asia and Europe. 
The Turks are descendants of one of these branches, and the mo¬ 
dern Hungarians of another. The latter are however mixed with 
Sclavonians, Turks, Germans, and people called Zigduns, supposed 
to be the same with the Gypsies. The Gypsies are a wandering 
race of jieople, of a swarthy complexion, and are found in nearly 
all parts of Euroiie. They have no houses, nor villages, but roam 
from one country to another, making occasional pauses in the A'icin- 
ity of settled places, and obtaining a livelihood, sometimes by theft 
and robbery, and sometimes by pretending to tell the fortunes of 
those who are so superstitious as to place confidence in them. On 
the next page is a picture of some gypsies. 

The Hungarians are brave, sanguine, and revengeful, fond of 
arms, martial exercises, and hunting. The lower classes appear to 


Oluiiac(er of the Auntiians? What of SKiokiiis;? Instrumental music? Descrilie the 
|>i<'lure. VVUiat of Il»m 2 ;arv? Fiom whom are the Hungarians descended? Who were the 
ancient llnns^ bcsceridanu? Who are liic Zigduns'* Describe the Gypsies. Uescrilie lh« 
picture. Oharacler of me liuisgai lans^ Lower ctassei^ 


























GERMANY 


159 



be wretched, and work like slaves for the lords of the soil. Their 
houses are of clay; and intermingled with these humble dwellings, 
may be seen the marble palaces of the nobility, surrounded by gar¬ 
dens, fortresses and terraces, and decorated with Ibiintains, grottoes, 
statues and pictures. The world does not perhaps exhibit a more 
striking contrast of excessive wealth with extreme poverty. 

157. GERMANY. 

Afap of Europe, In what direclion must you travel, to eo from Vienna to Frantforl^ 
Roundaries? What of the Danube? Rhine? Elbe? Weser? Direction of Frankfort from 
London? Paris? Madrid? Rome? Constantinople? New York? From where you are^ 
Where is Uanover? Stutgard? Hamburg? Cologne? Munich? Gottingen'' 

15S. GERMANY, continued. 

Under the general title of Germany are included, first, about one 
third part of Austria, containing nearly all that portion which lies 
west of Vienna,'and contiguous to Germany and Sxvitzerland, as 
on the map of Europe; second, the greater part of Prussia, and also 
several provinces belonging to Prussia, lying on botli sides of the 
Rhine, in the west of Germany; third, the kingdom of Bavaria; 
fourth, Wurtemberg; fifth, Hanover; sixth, Saxony; seventh, 
grand-dutchy of Baden; eighth, twenty-seven smader states; and 
ninth, four free cities. 

The Austrian part of Germany is included within the boundaries 
of Austria, on the map. The Prussian dominions in Germany are, 
first, the greater part of Prussia, as represented on the map, which 
will be described under Prussia; second, three provinces on both 
sides of the Rhine, included in Germany on the map. These three 
provinces embrace a beautiful and fruitful region; Munster, Co- 


Ilouses? Palaces? Contrast of wealth anti poverty. 

158. What is incliuled under the general title of Germany? What of the Austrian part of 
Germany? Of what do the Prussian domluioos consist? What of the three provinces on both 
♦’ sides of tl*o Rhine* Principal towns? 















160 


GERMANY. 


log-ne, and Aix-la-Chapelle are the chief towns. Cologne, on the 
Khiiie, is famous for its cathedral; Aix-la-Chapelle for its mineral 
waters, and for a church, in which is the tomb of Charlemagne. 

Bavaria is'contiguous to Austria, and the Danube passes nearly 
through its centre. Parts are mountainous, but a considerable 
portion is diversified, and possesses a fertile soil. The prevailing 
religion is Roman Catholic. Education is liberally promoted by the 
sovereign, and is diffused among all classes. The government is 
a constitutional monarchy, and is administered with a due regard 
to the rights of the people. Munich, the capital, is a splendid city, 
and has the most extensive antiquarian museum in Germany. 
Po]). 75,000. 

Wurtemberg lies in the southwest of Germany, contiguous to 
Bavaria. A branch of the Alpine chain of mountains, and a range 
called the Black Forest, occupy the western and northern portions. 
'I'he rest of the country is diversified. It is one of the most fruit¬ 
ful and populous districts of Germany. The soil is highly culti¬ 
vated. Stutgard is the capital, and possesses a magnificent palace. 
Pop. 24,000. The prevailing religion is Lutheran; the government 
is a limited monarchy. Education is extensively diffused, and the 
classics form a part of the studies in most of the schools. 

The general surface of Hanover is level, or gently undulating. 
On the north there are extensive barrens. The Hartz mountains 
extend to the southern border; the valleys in this part are fertile. 
The middle and northern portions are well suited to pasturage. 
The climate is cold and variable. Hanover, the capital, has a 
superb palace, and various manufactures. Population, 26,000. 
Education is in a backward state; the religion is Lutheran. The 
government belongs to the king of England by inheritance. He 
governs it througli^a viceroy, who resides in the country. 

Saxony joins Austria on the north, and is the smallest kingdom in 
Europe. The face of*the country is diversified; the soil is fertile, 
and finely cultivated. It has mines of silver, tin, lead, and copper, 
bhlucation is extensively diffused, and great advances have been 
made in literature and the arts. The religion of the royal family 
is tlie Catholic, but by far the greater part of the people are Lu¬ 
therans. The government is a constitutional monarchy. Dresden, 
the capital, is a very fine city. Pop. 56,000. Leipsic is renowned 
for its semi-annual fair, at which there are immense numbers of 
books offered for sale. Pop. 40,000. 


What of Cologne? Aix-la-Chapelle? Face of the country anti soil of Bavaria? What 
of Munich? Religion of Bavaria? Education? Government? Population? Face of the 
country in Wurtemberg? Soil? Capital? Religion? Government? Population? Face 
of the country in Hanover? Climate? Capital? Population? Education? Religion? To 
whom does tlvc government belong? Through whom is it governed? What of Saxony ? Face 
of the country? Soil? Mines? What of the people? Literature and the arts? Language? 
Religion of the royal family? Of the people’’ Government? Capital of Saxonv^ Popula 
liou^ What of Leipsic'’ Population' . ' 



GERMANY. 


IGl 

The grand-diitchy of Baden occupies the southwestern corner of 
Germany, between Wurtemberg and France, and presents a diver¬ 
sified tfurface. The soil is tolerably good; the chief object of the 
peo])le is the raising of cattle. The inhabitants are generally 
Lutherans. The government is a constitutional monarchy, at tlie 
head of which is a grand duke. He resides at Carlsruhe, a beau¬ 
tiful town, regularly laid out in the form of a spread fan. Pop. 
20,000. Manheim is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. 
Pop. 21,000. Heidelburg is distinguished for its unive.osity. At 
this latter place is an immense tun or hogshead, upon the head of 
which there,is space for SO persons to dance at the same time. 

The twenty-seven smaller states in Germany are of different 
degrees of importance; none of them are of great extent. Lux¬ 
emburg belongs to the Netherlands; Holstein and Lauenburg, to 
Denmark. The rest are dutchies, principalities, and electorates, 
about equal in extent to a New England county, and ruled by 
various princes, who administer the government, and claim the 
allegiance of the people, by the right of inheritance. 

The four free cities of Germany are Frankfort, Bremen, Hamburg, 
and Lubec. Frankfort is situated on the Maine. It is the seat of 
the Gdrman Diet, and is celebrated for its semi-annual fairs, which 
attract the merchants from all parts of Europe. It is nearly sur¬ 
rounded by a beautiful promenade, built on the ruins of its ancient 
walls. Bremen has considerable commerce, particularly with the 
United States. Hamburg has extensive manufactures, and is one 
of the most important commercial towns in Europe. Lubec is 
a place of some trade. 

159. GERMANY. General View. 

Germany.is often spoken of under two divisions, north and 
south. The separation is formed by a chain of mountains giving 
to the southern portion, Austrian Germany, Bavaria, Wurtemberg, 
and Baden. This division is bounded on the south by the Alps, 
and consists of diversified plains, traversed by ranges of mountains. 
The soil is various, though generally fertile, and tolerably well 
cultivated. In the north of Germany, there are very extensive 
heaths and marshes, and the soil is on the whole inferior. Agri¬ 
culture is also more backward. 

Germany embraces 39 independent states, united by what is 
styled the Germanic Confederation, the object of which is to pro¬ 
vide for mutual safety and defence. The agents of the several 


Wliere Is (hf grand-dulchy of Baden' Surface? Soil? Wliat is the cliief object o U:*- 
people? Religion? Government? Where does ihe grand-duke reside? Wliat Carls'i*: K 
What of Manlieini? Heidelburg? Wliat of the 27 smaller states of Germany? Whi 'B.i 
the four free cities of Germany? What of Frankfort? Bremen? Hamburg? Lubec? 

159. How is Germany often spoken of? How is the separation formed? What c ’‘sf* 
southern portion of Germany? U()per Germany? Wliat does Germany embrace? He r " 
the states united' 


14 * 








PfiUS-SIA 


IG2 

powers, consisting of 17 plenipotentiaries and 70 deputies, hold 
their sittings at Frankfort, and are called the Diet of Germany. 

The various governments of Germany, though many of them 
are despotic, are of a mild character, and are administered with 
more or less regard to the happiness of the people. There are 
exceptions, in which the rulers make severe and cruel exactions of 
their subjects, for the purpose of maintaining themselves in profli¬ 
gate habits. 

In the cities of Germany, the people generally imitate the dress 
of England and France, though Vienna in some cases dictates in 
matters of fashion. In the country there are many very grotesque, 
costumes. The people are characterized by travellers, as ‘inveter¬ 
ate smokers, promse talkers, and prolific writers.’ The basis of the 
German character is made up of rectitude, Irankness, frugality and 
persevering industry. They excel in many manufactures, and in 
the arts of turnery, horology and architecture In every species 



of literature, which depends upon careful investigation and vast 
accumulation of knowledge, they take the lead of all other nations. 
In all the considerable tOAvns, the people hold frequent fairs, at 
which all kinds of merchandise are exhibited for sale in the open air. 
They are generally attended with much festivity. 

160. PRUSSIA. 

Map 0 ^ Europe. In what direction must you travel, to go from Frankfort to Berlin? 
Boundaries of Prussia? What of the Elbe? Oder? Vistula? What is the capital? Direc¬ 
tion of Berlin from Paris? London? Rome? Constantinople? Boston? From where you 
are? Where is Dantzic? Konigsburg? Posen** Breslau? Colberg? Stettin? Magdeburg' 

- • --- 

Where do the plenipotentiaries and deputies meet? What are they called? What of the 
governments of Germany? Do the rulers ever make severe and cruel exactions of their sub 
jects' What of dress in the cities of Germany? In the country? What is said of the 
people? Character? fn what do they exceli* Describe the picture. In what do the Ger¬ 
mans take the lead of all other nations' 
























PROSSIA, 


163 


161. PRUSSIA, CONTINUED. 

Prussia consists of two divisions—first, of Prussia, as represented 
on the map of Europe; and second, of the provinces of West¬ 
phalia, Clevesburg, and the Lower Rhine. These three provinces 
have been mentioned under the head of the German States. The 
eastern division of Prussia consists of seven provinces—East Prus¬ 
sia, West Prussia, Brandenburg, Pomerania, Posen, Silesia, and 
Saxony. 

Prussia is in general a level country, with many lakes, rivers and 
marshes. The soil is varicnis. In some parts it is fertile, but there 
are large tracts unfit for cultivation. The winters are severe, and 
in summer the heat is very great. Grain and cattle are the chief 
productions. 

There are numerous universities; and education is making rapid 
advances. Two thirds of the people are Protestants, the rest 
Catholics. The government is a nearly absolute monarchy. The 
present king, in his own right, holds the sovereignty of Neufchatel 
m Switzerland. 

Berlin, the capital, is a magnificent city, and the seat of the 
court. It is remarkable for its splendid edifices, its numerous 
literary institutions, and in particular for its university. Popula¬ 
tion, 236,000. Dantzic has an extensive commerce, and is one of 



the wealthiest cities in Europe. Pop. 62,000. Cologne, the 
principal town in the Prussian territories on the Rhine, has been 
mentioned under Germany. 

The general language of Prussia is German. The people are 


161. of how many divisions does Prussia consist.^ What of Westphaliai* Clevesburg.^ 
Lower Rhine? AVliat are tiie seven provinces? Face of the country in Prussia? Soil? Win* 
teri? Summer? Productions? Wh.at of universities? Education? Religion? Government? 
What of Berlin? Population? What of Uant^ic? Describe the ptcture Peculation? What 
of Cologne' What is the language of Prussia' 














164 


POLAND. 


brave, industrious, and fond of military parade. _ The wives and 
daughters of the jieasants assist them in jierforming all the. labors 
of the field, beside attending to the duties of the house. The pre- 
• ceding picture represents a scene in Prussia. 

162. POLAND. 

Map of Europe. In what direction must you travel to go from Berlin to Warsaw.? Where 
is Poland.? What is the capital.? Direction of Warsaw from London? Berlin.? Vienna.? 
Rome.? Constantinople.? Boston.? From where you are? 

163. POLAND, CONTINUED. 

Poland, once a powerful kingdom, was divided between Russia, 
Prussia, and Austria, and in 1795 ceased to be an independent na¬ 



tion. The greater part was taken by Russia, and now forms a di¬ 
vision of that vast emjiire; large territories, however, were appro¬ 
priated by the kings of Prussia and Austria, and constitute portions 
of those countries. Poland retains its ancient name, but it is blot¬ 
ted from the list of independent nations. 

Warsaw, the cayiital,Js a, walled town of great strength; its 
streets exhibit what is so common in the ill-governed parts of Eu¬ 
rope—spectacles of excessive wealth, contrasted with distressing 
poverty. Near Cracow, are the most celebrated salt-mines in the 
world. 

The nobles of Poland possess vast estates; they inhabit magnifi¬ 
cent houses, and live in great pom}i, surrounded by dependants and 
retainers. The peasants are a wretched order of beings, a])parcnt- 
ly diminished in stature, and debased in intellect by long-endured 
slav^ery. 


AVhat of llio iiihahitants.? Peasants.? 

Di3. What of Polaml.? Whal took ))lace in 1795.? Describe the picture. What of the 
kings of Prussia and Austria.? What does Poland retain? Is it an indejieinknt ualioB? 
What of Warsaw? 
























































RUSSIA IN EUROPE. 


165 


164. RUSSIA IN EUROPE. 

Map of Europe. In what direction do yon travel from Warsaw to St. Petersburg in Rus¬ 
sia? Boundaries of Russia? What of the Don? Dnieper? Dwina? Volga? Dneister? 
Bog? Duna? Ural? Where is the Baltic sea? White sea? Black sea? What lakes in 
the northern p<xrt of Russia? What peninsula in the Black sea? What is the capital? Di¬ 
rection of Petersburg from Vienna? Rome? Constantinople? Berlin? Paris? Madrid? 
London? Berne? Where is Moscow? Cherson? Novogorod? Astrachau? Pultowa? 
Saiepta? Orenburg? Cronstadt? Archangel? 

165. RUSSIA IN EUROPE, continued. 

The face of the country in this vast territory is generally level, 

^ and consists chiefly of immense plains, covered in many parts with 

j forests. In the northern division, the soil is barren; in the south¬ 

ern, it is tolerably fertile. In the north, the climate is cold, and in 
winter extremely severe; in the south, it is mild. Various kinds of 
grain are produced in large quantities, and there are mines of silver, 
j copper, and iron. 

■ The commerce of Russia is extensive; it is carried on chiefly 
through the Baltic, White, Caspian, and Black seas. Agriculture 
I is imperfect. The raising of cattle is the chief object of the hus¬ 
bandman. Hemp is produced and manufactured to such an extent, 
as to constitute an important article of trade with foreign countries. 
Furs, leather, hides and tallow are the other exports. 

The common people who are remote from the large towns, par¬ 
ticularly those engaged in agriculture, are nearly in a barbarous state; 
a great portion can neither read nor write. In the larger towns, 
provision is made for the education of young men of the better 
classes, and in St. Petersburg there are many individuals of exten¬ 
sive learning. There are many foreign artisans in Russia, who 
have brought with them to their adopted country, the knowledge 
of many arts and manufactures. On the whole, the condition of 
, Russia, as to education, civilisation, and refinement, though behind 
the rest of Europe, is advancing. 

The established religion is that of the Greek church; three- 
fourths are of this faith, and one-fourth of the inhabitants are 
Catholics, Jews, Mahometans and Pagans. All religions are tole¬ 
rated. The government is despotic, and is administered by an 
emperor. 

St. Petersburg, built under Peter the Great, is the seat of the 
court. It surpasses every other city in Europe for the general splen¬ 
dor of its streets and edifices. Pop. 320,000. Moscow, the ancient 
capital, was burnt in 1812, by the Russians, to prevent its being an 
; asylum during the winter for Bonaparte and his army, who had in¬ 
i' vaded the country. This measure obliged the French to fly, and 

, 165. What of the face of the country in Russia? Soil? Climate in the north? South? 

j Productions? Mines? How is the commerce of Russia carried on? Chief object of (be hus- 
I bandman? What of hemp? Other exports? What of the common people? What of edu 
cation in large towns? St. Petersburg? What of artisans? Condition of Russia'’ What of 
religion^ Government? ^"hat of St. Petersburg? Moscow'’ 






166 


ilUSSIA IN EUROPE* 


hundreds of thousands perished in the snow! The population of 
Moscow is about 250,000. 

Odessa, on the Black sea, is an important seaport. Archangel is 
the most northern town in Europe of any considerable size. 

The superior classes in Russia bear a general resemblance to the 
same ranks in other European countries. The nobles and rich men 
possess the lands, and keep the peasants, or laborers, in a slavish 
and abject state, while they themselves live in dissipation and luxu¬ 



ry. The tenants are transferred with the land they occupy when 
it is sold, in the same manner as the crops, or the buildings that 
may be upon it. The houses of the peasants are built of rough 
logs of wood; their outer garment is a sheep-skin wrapper, fasten¬ 
ed with a girdle; the beard on the chin and throat is sometimes 
allowed to grow, as a defence against the excessive cold. The 
warm bath is in universal use; singing and bell-ringing are favorite 
amusements; dancing is never omitted when the T)eo])le are inclin¬ 
ed to be merry. A singular amusement is that of sliding and skat¬ 
ing very swiftly down artificial slopes of ice. 

The Finns, occupying the country at the head of the gulf of 
Finland, are now subject to Russia. They are a peculiar people, 
with light flaxen hair. The^ are thinly scattered over the terri- 
tory, and some of them live in cabins so rude, as to resemble an ac¬ 
cidental pile of wood. 

The Cossacks, v/ho inhabit the banks of the river Don, in the 
southeastern part of Russia, are a barbarous people, possessing a 
singularly bold and warlike character. The soldiers are mounted 
on swift horses, and hurl a long spear with deadly effect upon the 
enemy. 

Odessa? Archangel? What of the superior classes in Russia? Nobles? Rich men? De¬ 
scribe the picture. Tenants? Houses of peasants? Dress? What is allowed as a defence 
against cold? What of the warm bath? Amusements? What c.oiuitry do the Finns occupy^ 
What of the Finus^ Tiieir cabiusf What of the ppssacks^ 












lATLAND. 


167 


166. LAPLAND. 

Map of Europe What js the most northern country in Europe? Where is Lapland? 
Eoundaries? In \vhat direction must you travel to go fiom Petersburg to Kola? What of the 
Aunis river? Where is Kola? Oumba? Ulea? 

167. LAPLAND, continued. 

Lapland is a cold, desolate region, in Europe, lying between the 
Arctic ocean on the north, the White sea on the east, the gulf of 
Bothnia on the south, and the Atlantic on the west. The eastern 
portion is nominally the territory of Russia, the western belongs to 
Norway, and the southern to Sweden. But such is the rigor of the 
climate, the sterility of the soil, the poverty and fewness of the 
people, that they are left to themselves without the interference of 
government. Their country, is rough, mountainous, and dreary. 
Vegetation is scanty, and agriculture is but little attended to; grain 
is produced with difficulty. 

The reindeer is the chief support of the inhabitants. They feed 
on its flesh and milk, use its skin for clothing, and its sinews for 
twine and thread. It is also employed for draught, and travels with 
a man on a sledge, at the rate of 70 or 80 miles a day. Some of 
the people have herds of 3 or 400. The inhabitants also feed on 
the flesh of bears and other wild animals, and along the coasts the 
seal is as useful to them as to the Greenlanders. 

The Laplanders are of the same race as the inhabitants of the 
frozen regions of North America, and live in a similar manner. 



They have no towns, but dwell in small villages, thinly scattered 
over'the country. Their huts are built of stones and sods, and do 
not exceed six feet in height, and eight or ten feet in diameter. 

167 Where is LaplanH situated? What of the easleru portion? Western? Southern? 
What" of the rlimate'* Soil? ‘Wliat of the people? Face of the country? Vejiptaiion? 
Wicullure? drain? On what do the people feed? What of the seal? Describe the uses 
cMi.e leinJe.'r What of the l.aplumleia? Desciibe the piciurc. Their towns' Huts? 



















168 


NORWAY. 


They resemble a baker’s oven in shape. A nole in the top serves 
both" for window and chimney. The people are exceedingly at¬ 
tached to their country, and are said to prefer it to every other. 
This doubtless arises from ignorance, and the force of habit. Their 
religion is a mixture of Christianity and paganism. They are ex¬ 
ceedingly superstitious, and have many customs of an absurd and 
barbarous character. 

168. NORWAY. 

Map of Europe. Where is Norway? What mountains between Norway and Sweden? 
What of the Gloinma river? What is the capital? Where is Bergen? In what direction if 
it from Vienna? London? Paris? Madrid? Rome? Constantinople? Frankfort? From 
you? Where is Christiana? Droutheim? Konsburg? Frederickshall? Christiansand? 

169. NORWAY, continued. 

Norway is a part of the Swedish dominions, but it has a govern¬ 
ment and laws of its own, which regulate its internal affairs. It is 
the most mountainous country in Europe, except Switzerland. 
Some of the mountains are covered with perpetual snow. The 
soil is, in general, barren, and unsusceptible of cultivation, and the 
country has a dreary aspect. The climate is subject to great 
extremes. In winter the cold is severe, in summer the heat is ex¬ 
cessive. On the sea-coast, it is much milder 



The chief resources of the people are in their fisheries, their 
mines of iron, copper, and silver, and in their herds of cattle. The 
country abounds in rivers, which rush from the mountains with the 
rapidity of torrents. Near the coast, in the North Sea, is a terrific 
whirlpool, called the Maelstrom, which sometimes draws in ships, 


What is said ol (he people? Religion? Customs? 

169. What of Norway? Face of the country? Mountains? Soil? Aspect of the coun 
try? Climate? In winter? Summer? On the sea-coast? Describe the picture. W^hat 
aie the diief resources of the poojile? Whut of the rivers? Describe tire Maelstfom. 


















SWEDEN. 169 

aD(l (lashes them on the rocks beneath. Whales and other animals, 
also, are sometimes Ibrced into it. 

The Norwegians are tolerably well instructed in most branched 
of common education; their religion is Lutheran. Bergen is the 
capital, and has,a good harbor and considerable commerce. 

The peasants live in huts of earth, covered over with grass, which 
gives them the appearance of hillocks. The interior is however 
comfortable and well provided. They make their own articles 
of clotliiiig. The, people are frank, brave, and independent; they 
are temperate and contented, and, breathing a j)ure air, live to a 
great age. A hundred years is not an uncommon, nor a surprising 
degree of longevity. The nobility and merchants of Norway are 
said to have sumptuous and luxurious habits, strongly contrasted 
with the frugal simplicity of the common people. The preceding 
picture represents a scene in Norway. 

no. SWEDEN. 

Mrtp of Europe. Where is Swetlen? In which direction would you travel, to go from 
nergeiiAo Stockholm.? Suppose you go in a vessel, what waters will you sail upon.^ What 
of the Dal river!* What two lakes in the southern part of Sweden.'* What is the capital!* 
V/here is Stockholm.? In what direction is Stockholm from Berlin.? St. Petersburgh.? 
Warsaw.? Vienn.a.? Pome.? Paris.? Madrid.? London.? Where is Carlscrona.? Tornea.? 
Umea.? Pitea? Upsal? Gottenburg? Calmar.? Malmo.? Falilun? 

171. SWEDEN, CONTINUED. 

Though bounde’d on the west and north by mountains, Sweden 
is a very level country, with numerous lakes and rivers. It is 
generally barren; the southern parts are most fertile. A great part 
ol’ the counti^ is covered with pine forests, and is unfit for cultiva¬ 
tion. From these forests, the people obtain timber, pitch, tar, and 
' turpentine for exportation. Sweilen has also mines of iron and 
co])per. Large amounts of the former are exported from Sweden 
to the United States. 

Liberal views prevail in Sweden in respect to education. Almost 
every considerable town has a school, supported at the public ex¬ 
pense. The university of Upsal has great celebrity; the common 
])eople are well educated, and in science, many individuals have ac¬ 
quired fame. In religion, the Swedes are Lutherans. Their gov¬ 
ernment is a limited monarchy. 

Stockholm, the capital, is built upon hills, between seven small 
locky islands and two peninsulas. Its situation is very romantic. 
The palace of the king is one of the most beautiful in Europe. The 
' population is about 80,000. Gottenburgh has an extensive trade. 

I Pop. 20,000. 

Vhat of education.? Religion.? What of Bergen.? Houses of peasants.? Clothing.? Charac- 
i:;i' of the people? Longevity? NobUity.? Merchants.? 

171. Face of the country in Sweden? Soil? Cultivation.? What are obtained from the 
pine forests for exportation.? What of mines.? What is exported to the United States.? Edu¬ 
cation in Sweden.? Schools.? University? Education of tlie common people.? Science.? 
Religion? Gcveinrnent? On what is Stockholm built? Situation? Palace of the king? 

15 







170 


DENMARK. 


The Swedes are described as possessing fight flaxen hair, and a 
ruddy countenance, with faces expressive of good humor. It is 
their custom to celebrate with dancing and other ceremonies the 



month of May, in token of their joy at the return of s])ring. 
They are remarkably clean in their habits, and the common j'eople 
are well dressed in coarse blue cloth of their own manufacture. 
They make their own houses, clothes and furniture. In the streets 
of Stockholm may occasionally be seen individuals of the Dalecar- J 
lian race, who inhabit the remote mountains, preserve their jirimi- | 
live manners, and defy all attempts to deprive them of their inde- ^ 
pendence. These people retain the peculiar dress of their country, 
which is said to have undergone no change for centuries. 

172. DENMARK. 

Map oj Europe. Where is Denmark? Boundaries? What is the capital? W’here it 
Copenhagen? Direction from Rome? Bergen? Berlin? Constantinople? Vienna? Berne? 
Madrid? Where is Kiel? Where is the island of Funen? Zealand? Sylt? lieiigolanil? 

173. DENMARK, continued. 

The kingdom of Denmark includes a peninsula between the 
North sea and the Baltic, and several adjacent islands. Iceland and 
the Faroe islands in the Atlantic ocean, the dutchies of Holstein 
and Lauenburg in Germany, Greenland in North America, and 
the islands of St. Croix and St. Thomas in the West indies, 
belong to Denmark. The peninsula is level, with a sandy, fertile ! 
soil. The northern ])art is covered with I'orests. It is well culti¬ 
vated in the south; wheat is the staple production. Much of the 

What of GoUeiihurg? Wliat of the Swedes? Common pe 0 [)le ? Describe the piciiiie. 
Dalecarliaii race? Their maiiners? Independence? Dress? 

173. Wlint does the kinudom of Denmark in<'liide? What belonc to Denmark'* Fare of 
the country’ Soil? in the north? Boutii? IVoductious* 























DENMARK 171 

land IS well suited to pasturage, Denmark is a commercial country; 
its ])rincipal ex})orts arc grain and cattle. 

The government is despotic, but wisdom and moderation have 
long characterized the measures of the court; and the Danes boast, 
justly, of the superiority of their laws. The established religion 
is Lutheran, but full toleration is allowed to persons of other per¬ 
suasions. 

Elducation is an object of primary importance with the govern¬ 
ment, and parochial schools are established, in which the children 
■of the poor are taught the rudiments of their native language, at 
the public expense. Science and literature have long been cherish¬ 
ed in Denmark, which has produced some celebrated men in litera¬ 
ture and the arts. 

Cojienhagen, the metropolis, and the residence of the court, has 
an extensive commerce, and is one of the finest cities in the north¬ 
ern part of Europe. Its university is on a large scale, and is liber¬ 
ally endowed. Its botanic garden is justly celebrated. Elsinore, 
situated at a narrow jiassage of the sea, is known as the place 
where all ships which trade to the Baltic are obliged to pay a heavy 



toll. The money received at this ])lace pays a large portion of the 
expenses of the Danish government. 

The Danes are represented as having florid complexions, with 
hair inclining to yellow or red. The superior classes are fond of 
magnificence andshov/, and the peasants exhibit a neatness in their 
dress which seems to surpass their condition. Excess in the use 
of strong liquors is said to be characteristic of this people. 


To what is much of the country suited? What of commerce? Exports? What of the 
government of Denmark? Laws? Religion? Education? Schools? Science and litera¬ 
ture? What of Copenhagen? Its university? Botanic gardens? What of Elsinore? De¬ 
scribe the picture. Money received at Elslnorei* What of the Danes'* Superior clav es? 
Peasants' Gh.aracterislic of the 

















172 


NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM. 


174. NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM. 

Map of Europe. Where are (he Netherlands? In what direction do you go from Vienna 
to Aiiisterdain? Boundaries? Wiiere is the Zuydcr Zee? What ot the Rhine? Eins? 
What is the capital of (he Netiierlands? What is the capital of Belgium? Ans. Brussels. 
"Where is Ams'erdam? Direction from St. Petersburg? Pans? Constantirrople? Rome? 
Madrid? Dublin? Stockholm? Bergen? London? Where is Ghent? Antwerp? Wa¬ 
terloo? Liege? Brussels? Hague? 

175. NETHERLANDS AND BELGIUM, continued. 

The kingdom of the Netherlands formerly consisted of 18 prov¬ 
inces. Nine of these were in the north, and embraced the country 
formerly called Holland: eight were in the south, and were called 
Belgium. Luxemburg, a small state in Germany, also belonged to 
this country. 

The kingdom has been recently divided into two independent 
states. The eight Belgic provinces now constitute the kingtlom of 
Belgium; the ten other provinces form the present kingdom of 
Holland, and though these countries are thus politically separated,' 
we shall describe the whole together. 

Along the sea-coas’t, the land is low, flat and sandy. Holland 
has the appearance of an extensive marsh that has been drained. 
Much of the surface is below the level of the sea, Avhich is kept 
from overflowing the land by dykes, constructed with immense 
labor, along the shore. 

The Belgic provinces are finely diversified with hills and valleys. 
Nearly all parts of Holland are finely cultivated. Canals are 
almost as common as roads in other countries. In winter, people 



175. How was the kingdom of the Netherlands divided? What of the northern provinces? 
Southern? What state in Gerinanv belonged to the Netherlands? How has the kingdom been 
recently divided? Face of the country along the sea-coast? In that part called Holland'’ 
"What of Dykes’’ Belgic oroviuces? Cullivatioa in Holland'’ Canals^ Their use^ 





























EUROPE ' f73 

travel upon them with skates. The commerce of the Netherlands 
is extensive, though it has greatly declined. 

There are excellent universities at Louvain and Leyden. Great 
attention is paid to education. The language is a dialect of the 
German, called Low Dutch. In Holland the people are Calvinists; 
in the Belgic provinces, they are devoted Catholics. The govern¬ 
ment of both countries is that of limited monarchy. 

Amsterdam, situated on the Zuyder Zee, was once reckoned as 
second only to London for commerce, but several causes have 
operated to diminish its trade. The whole city is built on piles driv¬ 
en into the earth, in the margin of the sea. The houses are built 
of brick or stone, and are very neat; the city has many handsome 
public buildings. The Stadt House stands on 14,000 piles, and rs 
esteemed one of the finest edifices in the world. 

Brussels is the capital of Belgium; and the Hague is the residence 
of the king of the Netherlands. Antwerp, an old town, has con¬ 
siderable manufactures, and a celebrated Gothic church, in which 
are some of the finest paintings of Rubens. Rotterdam is a rich 
commercial city, with an excellent harbor. Ghent, Leyden, Leige, 
Ostend, Bruges, Tournay, and Luxemburg, are all large and im- 
f portant places. Waterloo will be ever memorable for the great 
I battle in which Bonaparte met his final overthrow. 

A stranger in Holland is struck with the extreme cleanliness and 
decorum of the towns and villages, as well as the private abodes. 
The furniture of the latter affords a striking proof of the mistress’s 
regard to neatness. The beds are covered with the finest linen, the 
rooms are adorned with pictures, and the yards and gardens with 
fiowers. The characteristics of the Dutch are patience, ingenuity, 
and perseverance. The love of money is the ruling passion. 
Smoking tobacco is practised by both sexes at all hours; and as they 
are said to be ever ruminating on ways and means to get money, 
they are represented as very unsociable. 

176. EUROPE. General View. 

^ Map of Europe. Mnp of Atlantic Ocean. How is Europe bounded? Tell the sifua- 
p- tion and direction of the following ranges of mountains:—The Alps? Apennines? Pyrenees? 
Carpathian? Dofrafield? Ural? Mount Ilaemus? Where is cape Spartivento? Ortegal? 
North? Matapiii? Clear? St. Vincent? P'inisterre? Trafalgar? What great peninsula 
in the southwest of Europe? What nine seas in and around Europe? What six gulfs? 
What bay? What straits between Spain and Africa? Between Sardinia and Corsica? Be¬ 
tween Italy and Sicily? Describe the Danube; Rhine; Weser; Elbe; Don; Dnieper; 
Dwina; (iua<lalquiver; Vistula; Volga. Here let the pupil anstver questions on Table 
Ho. 16. in the Atlas. 

What part of North America is in the same latitude as France and Austria? What country 
in America is in tlie same latitude as Spain? What islands in the Mediterranean are nearly in 
the same latitude as Philadelphia? What large towns in Spain are nearly in the same latitude 


Describe the picture. What of commerce? Universities? Education? Language? Relig¬ 
ion in Holland? In the Belgic provinces? Government? What of Amsterdam? How is 
it built? What of the houses? What of Bnussels and the Hague? Antwerp? Rotterdam? 
What other large places? What of Waterloo' What does a stranger observe in Holland? 
Characteiisjjc* >f the Dutch? Ruling passion? Smoking? How are they represented? 

15 * 








174 


EUROPE 


as New York? Wliat famous city in Italy is in the same latitude as Hartford? Wliat lars;e 
city in France is nearly in sic same latitude as the north part of Newfoundland? How many 
degrees of longitude between Paris and Boston? How many degrees cast of Washingtorv 
is Vienna? W1ial part of North America is in the same latitude as England? Scotland^ 
Sweden? Norway? 

177. EUROPE, CONTINUED. 

Europe contains the following sovereignties:—Sweden and Rus¬ 
sia, in the north; Portugal, S^pain, Italian States, Turkey and 
Greece in the south; Great Britain and Ireland, France, Nether¬ 
lands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Prussia, and Swit¬ 
zerland, in the middle. The length of Europe, Rom the most western 
part of Portugal to the Uralian mountains on the east, is 3,800 
miles; the breadth, from North cape in Lapland to the southern 
extremity of Greece, is 2,350 miles; square miles, 8,300,000. The 
extent of Europe is less than one fourth that of Asia, and less than 
one half that of the Russian empire alone. The population is es¬ 
timated at 200,000,000. 

Norway and Sweden are mountainous. The countries included 
in the three southern peninsulas, viz. Spain, Italy, and Turkey, are 
also traversed by mountain ranges. The same description applies 
to a large portion of Hungary and the southern part of Germany, 
nearly the whole of Switzerland, and the southeastern part of 
France. All the northern and western parts of France are hilly. 
The rest of continental Europe, comprising the Netherlands, Den¬ 
mark, the northern part of Germany, Prussia, and Russia, consists 
chiefly of plains. 

The principal ranges of mountains are the Scandinavian or Do- 
frafield range, the Pyrenees, Alps, Apennines, and Carpathian 
mountains. The Scandinavian chain commences at the southern 
extremity of Norway, and, running north, soon becomes the boun¬ 
dary between Sweden and Norway. The Pyrenees run in an east¬ 
erly direction from the southern part of the bay of Biscay to the 
Mediterranean, forming the boundary between France and Spain. 
The Alj)s, the loftiest mountains in Europe, form the western 
boundary of Italy, separating it from France, Switzerland, and 
Germany. The Apennines commence near the Mediterranean, atfj 
the southwestern extremity, and, pursuing an easterly course around 
the gulf of Genoa, turn to the southeast, and pass in that direction 
to the southern extremity of Italy. The Carpathian mountains 
encircle Hungary on three sides, separating it from Germany on 
the northw'est, from Galicia on the northeast, and from Turkey on 
the southeast. At the southern extremity of the range, a branch 
proceeds in a southerly direction across the Danube, to the centre 

177. What sovereignties in the north of Europe? What inthesouih? What in the midtilc? 
litre let the pupil amwtr questions on Table No. 16, in the Atlas. What is the leiigih of 
Europe? Breadth? Siiuare miles? Extent? Population? p'ace of the countiv in Norway 
and Sweden? Spain, Italy and Turkey? What of Hungary? Germany? Switzerland? 
France? What portion consists chiefly of ptains? Ranges of mountains^ Uescriint the seve¬ 
ral ranges. 



EUROPE. 175 

of European Turkey, connecting the Carpathian mountains with 
the great eastern branch of the Alps. 

The climate of Europe is affected by various circumstances, ren¬ 
dering some parts more temperate, and others colder or warmer 
than might be expected from their latitude. The eastern portion 
of Europe, including two-thirds of Russia in Europe, is rendered 
colder by the winds which sweep over it, chilled by the immense 
masses of snow and ice embosomed in the mountains of central 
Asia. The southern parts of Europe are rendered warmer by the 
hot winds which visit them from the burning deserts and plains of 
Africa. The extremes both of heat and cold are diminished in 
those countries which border upon the Atlantic, by the constant 
action of the sea air.- These appear to be the three great causes, 
which modify the climate of Europe, and render it so different in 
some parts, from what it is in others of the same latitude; and so 
ditferent from the climate of those portions of America, which lie 
in the same parallels. 

Tnere is another fact to be taken into consideration, in compar- 
ing the climate of the Atlantic part of Europe, with that of the 
Atlantic part of North America. In Greenland, and the adjacent 
regions, there are immense masses of snow and ice, which accumu¬ 
late from year to year, or are broken up, in the form of icebergs, 
sometimes reaching the tropics before they are melted. On the 
. contrary, on the borders of Europe, such accumulations do not take 
place. The gulfs of Norway are almost always open, while the 
coast of Greenland, exactly opposite, is frequently rendered inac¬ 
cessible, from fixed, or floating barriers of ice. 

These considerations will be sufficient to account for most of the 
contrasts, which we observe between our otvn climate, and that of 
the Atlantic parts of Europe. The climate of England, being sur¬ 
rounded by the sea, is rendered by the sea air much more tempe¬ 
rate. The winters in that country are less extreme than those of 
the southern parts of New England. Newfoundland, also, sur¬ 
rounded by the sea, and farther south than England, swept by the 
winds which come from the icy regions of the north, and the adja- 
P cent countries, experiences a winter so intense, as almost to render 
it uninhabitable. Spain, Italy, and Turkey in Europe, illustrate 
the influence of the warm winds of Africa. Situated in the latitude 
of Massachusetts and New York, they produce oranges, lemons, 
figs and grapes, which, in our country, are the products of regions 
at least 12 degrees farther south. The difference of the climate 
b-erw’-een the eastern and western parts of Europe in the same lati¬ 
tude, is shown by the fact, that at Moscow, which is in the latitude 

• What of the climate in the eastern part of Europe? In the southern parts? In the 
count'ies on th^ Atlantic? What of accuinulatious of ice bi the northern regions of Amer¬ 
ica? What ert'pct has this ice upon the climate of North America? Is the sea frozen on the 
iioriliern coarts of Kuroj'e, as on the opposite coasts of America? What keeps the sea open? 
Climate of Enghiiitl? Winters in England? Climate of Newfoundland? What of the climate 
ol tJpaiu, itji,' , and Turkey in Europe? 








176 


EUROPE. 


of Edinburgh, the winter is so inclement, as to render every pre¬ 
caution necessary to guard against it, while at the latter place, it is 
not more severe than at Boston. 

178. EUROPE. General View continued. 

Europe is not naturally a fertile portion of the earth, yet, owing 
to the general skill and industry of its inhabitants, it produces the 
necessaries of life in sufficient abundance. The treasures of other 
countries are made its own, by means of its active commerce. It 
is too cold to produce spices, but these are brought from the Asiatic 
isles. Diamonds are not found in its mountains, but they are ob¬ 
tained from Brazil and India. Whatever luxury its soil or its 
climate may deny them, the inhabitants collect from the other quar¬ 
ters of the globe. 

Christianity, in its various forms, is spread almost over the whole 
of Europe. The religion of the Greek church prevails in Greece, 
Russia, and a part of Turkey and Hungary. The number of its 
members in Europe, is 50,000,000. The Roman Catholic religion 
is etablished in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Nine-tenths of France, 
four-fifths of Ireland, part of the Netherlands, one half of Germa¬ 
ny and Switzerland, and three-fourths of Hungary and Poland, 
together with some individuals in England, and Turkey, submit to 
its dogmas. The whole nmnber of Catholics in Europe may be 
estimated at 98 millions. The Protestant religion is divided into 
various sects. The Lutherans predominate in Sweden, Denmark, 
parts of Germany, Holland and Scotland. The English church is 
almost exclusively confined to England. The total number of 
Protestants in Europe, including several minor sects, as Quakers, 
Unitarians, Moravians, Baptists, and Methodists, is about 44 mil¬ 
lions. 

The Mahometans in Europe may amount to four or five millions. 
These are composed almost entirely of Turks and Tartars. Along 
the borders of Asia, there are some wandering tribes, who, with 
the Laplanders, may amount to half a million of idolaters. The 
Jews are scattered in every country in Europe except Nonvay and 
Spain, but are only numerous in Poland, Turkey, Germany, and 
Holland. Their whole number does not exceed three millions. 

The governments of Europe have undergone a great change 
within the last 40 years. Those that exist at the present day may 
be divided into two sorts—such as are governed by absolute princes, 
according to fixed laws, and a system of taxation seldom subject 


Climate of Moscow? Eiiinbur^h? 

178. What of the fertility of Europe? What advantages does it derive from iti commerce? 
What of spicesDiainonJs? What is said as to luxuries? What of Christianity in Europe? 
The Greek church? Roman Catholic religion? The Protestant? Lutherans? Enclish 
church? Number of Protestants in Europe? Number of Mahometans? Idolaters? Jews.? 
Governments of Europe within the last 40 years? How may the existing governments of 
Europe be divided^ 



EUROPE. 


177 


to change; and those that are governed by a limited monarchy, and 
by re{3resentative assemblies, wlio make laws, and regulate taxation. 
()r the former kind we may mention Russia, Austria, Prussia, 
Naples, Spain, Sardinia, the States of the Church, or Pope’s 
dominions, Tuscany, Denmark, and the dutchy of Hesse, in Ger¬ 
many.' Of the latter kind are France, the Netherlands, Belgium, 
the kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Sweden including Nor¬ 
way, the'kingdoms of Bavaria, Wurtemberg, Hanover, Saxony and 
the grand dutchy of Baden. 

It ap])ears that a limited or constitutional monarchy is the most 
common form of government in Europe. It may be remarked, 
too, that in Ru.ssia, Spain, Austria, Prussia, and other governments, 
nominally despotic, custom, the force of public opinion, and the 
f('ar of insurrection, restrain the sovereigns of these countries, and 
have in a limited degree the same effect as a representative branch, 
to jirotect the jieople from oppression. Turkey is the only strictly 
despotic government in Europe; the only one in which the will of 
the sovereign is the supreme law of the land, and in which the 
lives, consciences, and jiroperty of the people, are completely sub¬ 
ject to his disposal. 

Switzerland is the only free government in Europe; for San 
Marino, the Ionian Isles, and the free towns of Germany, acknow¬ 
ledge the protection of other governments; it maybe observed also, 
that Switzerland, surrounded by powerful monarchies, has but a 
nominal independence, allowed only so far as may ])lease the leagued 
sovereigns of Europe. Thus, while unrestrained despotism is con¬ 
fined to narrow limits, freedom is scarcely enjoyed by a single peo- 


I 


What slates are eovorned hy absolute princes? Which countries by limited monarchies? 
M'hat ij the inoi-t coinniou forni of government in Europe? By what are the despotic princes 
of Kuroiic reslraiiiein What is strictly the only despotic government in Europe? What is 
the onlv free government in Europe? What of uiuestraiucd despotism in Europe? Wliat of 
freedom? Uescrihe the picture. * 
















178 


EUROPE. 


pie amonj^ the 200 millions of Europe. Though the spectacle of a 
people groaning- beneath the selfish tyranny of their kings, is less 
common than it once was, yet Russia, Poland, Plungary, and parts 
of Spain, Prussia, and other countries, exhibit nations divided for 
the most part into the lords and slaves; the former living in palaces, 
and indulging in every species of luxury; while the latter dwell in 
huts, and suffer all the miseries of slavery and poverty. In all the 
countries of Europe except Switzerland, Scotland, and Holland, 
we see the excessively rich, mingled with the wretchedly poor. 
That equalit}'-, which is so common among us, is not to be found in 
Europe. The palace and the cottage, the coach and the beggar, 
are presented to the traveller in the same view, in whatever part of 
Europe he may be. 

One striking difference between the state of society in Europe 
and our country, is visible in the different situations assigned to 
the female sex. In our country, the duties of women, in the 
higher as well as the lower classes, are confined to domestic afi'airs. 

In Europe, it is otherwise: women of the higher classes interest 
themselves in politics, and often exert a powerful influence. In 
the middling and lower ranks, they engage in business, and may 
ollen be seen employed in the most laborious occupations. In 
England, particularly in the manufacturing towns, they may be 
seen carrying heavy burdens, driving horses with carts, shovelling 
coal, &c. In all ])arts of Europe, women labor with men in the 
fields; in parts of Italy, they are harnessed to the plough which 
their husbands direct; in Holland, the wife rows the boat, while 
her husband sits smoking at his ease in the stern; in Germany, 
women carry vegetables to market to the distance of 10 miles, in 
great baskets, placed on their heads. ^ 

179. EUROPE. General View continued. 

The 200 millions of people that inhabit Europe, submit to 59 
reigning families, composed of nearly 1200 individuals, including 
the younger branches. These individuals receive from the various _ 
governments, beside their private incomes, which are immense, the^ 
annual sum of about 50 millions of dollars; the whole of which is* 
expended in maintaining the splendor of their courts. The nobili¬ 
ty of Europe were once distinguished for courage and illustrious 
birth. The nobility of the present day arc, with some honorable 
exceptions, favorites of the sovereigns, and spend their lives in dis- 


Do the people in Europe sulTer as much from tyranny as formerly? In what coun 
tries are the people divided into lords and slaves? How do the higher classes live in 
tnese countries? Lower classes? In what parts of Europe are the excessively rich min»led 
with the miserably poor? Is the equality common in our country to be met with in Europe^ 
What are presented to the traveller in most parts of Europe? To what are the duties of 
women confined in America? What of women in Europe? 

179. How many reigning families in Europe? How many persons do they consist of? How 
much do they annually receive, beside th6ir private incomes? How do they spend this vast 
auul!' What of tlie ancient nobUjty of Europel Jh.c preseoU* 



EUROPE. 


179 


sipation, fl-jlly, and vice. The intelligent middling classes of Eu¬ 
rope, whose education is equal, if not superior to tliatof the nobles, 
it is sui){)Osed, do not exceed three millions. The number of pro¬ 
fessed authors in Germany, France, and England alone, amount to 
15,000. The number who obtain their living by manufactures is 
estimated at 16 millions. The agriculturlists are su])posed to em¬ 
brace two-thirds of the whole ])opulation. The soldiers engaged 
in the service of the various governments, amount to about two 
millions, one hundredth part of the total pojmlation. 

One of the most remarkable distinctions between our own and 
the t],uropean governments, is the union in the latter of civil with 
religious matters. For tlie jnirjiose of increasing their power, the 
sovereigns establisli some particular form of worshi]), the ministers 
of which are, directly or indirectly, jiaid by the crown. Thus de¬ 
pendent, these ministers necessarily become attached to the cause 
of their sovereign, and are therefore his sure and zealous supporters. 
Possessing a powerful influence over the minds of the people, 
through the dignity of their oflice, their general intelligence, and 
the nature of their intercourse with them, they become the most 
eflicient pillars of the government, which it is their supposed duty 
and certain interest, to sustain. It is this [lowerful combination 
of the cliurch and the state, tliat has enabled the despotic rulers of 
Europe so dong to keep their subjects imprisoned by tlieir slavish 



institutions. The preceding picture represents a priest rendering 
homage to a king. 

The great cities of Europe surpass our own in the extmit of their 
population, and in a display of public buildings. The pride or poli- 

Ilow many of the educated middling classes in Europe? The numher of authors in 
Oermany, France, and England? Numher of manufacturers? AgricnUurli.sts? Soldiers^ 
What do the sovereigns of Europe do to increase their power? What ol the inini-lns of the 
e-italdished chutclies in I'Nirope? What of the conibinatiou of church and state'" Desci il)e 
Ibe picture. W'liM, of the jreat cities iu Europe' ^ 



















180 


EUROPE. 


cy of most of the European princes has led them to establish m 
their cities, universities, hospitals, museums, libraries and other in¬ 
stitutions, the buildings for which are usually magnificent. The 
churches, being generally built by the governments, are numerous, 
and many of them very costly. Beside these, in the great cajritals, 
as London, Paris, and others, there are several splendid palaces, 
occupied by the royal families. Most of these towns are embellish¬ 
ed with parks or gardens, which are laid out with walks, ornament¬ 
ed with trees, and refreshed with fountains. The great cities on the 
continent are usually surrounded by walls, which are employed for 
defence in time of war, and the gates by which they are entered. 



being under the direction of the government, render it eaf:y to ' 
watch and control the people in time of peace. ' f 

#»■ 

180 . EUROPE. General View continued. 

The present languages of Europe may be referred to four stocks 
—the Gothic, or Teutonic, the Celtic, Sclavonic, and Latin. The 
English, German, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Ice¬ 
landic, are of Gothic origin. The Gaelic is spoken by the High-^ 
landers of Scotland; the Irish is still spoken in some parts of Ire* 
land; and the Cimbric is spoken in Wales, and the southeastern 
part of Ireland. These three are of Celtic origin. The lan¬ 
guages of Russia, Poland, Bohemia, and parts of Hungary, are 
dialects of the Sclavonic language. The Portuguese, Spanish, 
Italian and French are derived from the Latin. ■ 

The Portuguese language so nearly resembles the S])anish, that 

What have most of thf^ Euro[)ean princes done? What of clinrches? I'aiacef? I' iiat of I 
most of (lie large towns iii Europe? Cilitrs? Itescribe the picture, H-^-c I-1 the un- 

swer qutstions on lahl.c No. M, in the Atlas. j 

180. What of the lajiguages in Euro])e? Which are of Gothic origin? Whieli Celtic? 
Sdavonic? Latin? What of the Portuguese ami Spanish lanjnages? 

• ' " 1 

























TUNIS 


181 


the inhabitants of the tivo countries can mutually understand each 
other. The Italian is esteemed the most melodious language of 
I Europe, and seems peculiarly adapted to vocal music. The French 
I is suited to conversation, and is more spoken than any other of the 
[ European languages. The Gothic language is that of the Goths, 
the ancient inhabitants of the northern part of Europe; the Celtic, 
that of the Celts, an Asiatic tribe, who introduced their language 
at an early period into a part of France and Britain; the Sclavonic, 
that of the Sarmatians, who occupied the countries bounded on the 
: south by the Danube and the Black sea; the Latin, that of ancient 
I Rome. 

I Though Europe was the latest portion of the eastern continent 
' to receive the light of science, yet it must now be regarded as the 
centre of civilisation, refinement and the arts. Though small in 
extent compared with Asia and Africa, not on the whole fertile by 
nature, neither abounding in animals, nor the precious metals, yet 
it is now the richest, and most productive portion of the earth. It 
has grown rich on the treasures of other countries; it has brought 
the silkworm from India, fine wool from Africa, the peach from 
Persia, the orange from China, and the potato from America. 
Such is the power of human skill and industry, that a barren, rug¬ 
ged and wild region, which nature had covered only with forests, 
has been completely changed by its inhabitants., 

Europe, in which the beaver, a few centuries ago, built its habi¬ 
tation in security, on the banks of solitary rivers, has become the 
seat of powerful empires. Its fields yield rich harvests, its com¬ 
merce brings the luxuries of every climate, its cities are adorned 
with palaces, it is the lawgiver of the world; and, with the excep¬ 
tion of our own country, it extends its sway over the rest of the 
earth. Already has one whole continent been peopled by its colo¬ 
nies. A large portion of Asia is under its dominion, and Africa 
cannot long resist the efforts which are making, to let in the light 
upon her dark and hidden regions. 

I 181 . ALGIERS. MOROCCO. TUNIS. TRIPOLI. 

Maps of Europe, Atlantic Ocean, Africa. Describe the route by water fi'om Amsterdam 
to Algiers. Direction of Algiers from London.^ From Stockholmi* Vienna? Berlin? 
Rome? Madrid? Constantinople? Direction of Algiers from England? Mouth of the Ama¬ 
zon? Cape Horn? From Boston? Washington? New York? From where you are? 

Boundaries of Algiers? What is the capital? What part of Europe is near to AlE;iers? 
Boundaries of Morocco? Capital? Boundaries of Tunis? Capital? Boundaries of Tiapoli? 
Capital? V/bat is the general name of these four portions of Africa—Algiers, Morocco, 
Tunis, and Tripoli? 


The Italian? The French? The Gothic? The Celtic? Sclavonic? Latin? How must 
Europe be regarded? What of the present state of Europe? How has it grown rich? AVhat 
articles has it iirought from various countries? What change has been effected by human skill 
and industry? What has Europe become? What of the agriculture, commerce, cities 
and pcrwer of Enrope^ What continent has been peojilcd from Europe? What ol Asia. 
Africa^ 


16 









182 


TUNIS. 


182. ALGIERS, MOROCCO, TUNIS, TRIPOLI, continued. 

Having left Europe, let us imagine ourselves to approach Africa. 
On arriving at Algiers, every thing will appear strange. The 
streets and buildings are quite different from any thing we have 
seen in our own country, or found described in Europe. The peo¬ 
ple are dark colored, and dressed in various strange fashions. If we 
penetrate into the interior, we shall find wild animals which are 
to be met with in no other quarter of the globe. 

Algiers is the name of a country, about one third larger in extent 
than New England. The government has been in the hands of a 
dey, who ruled over it till the 5th of July, 1830, when the capital 
was taken by the French. It is now subject to the government of 
that country. The city of Algiers, the capital, is built on the side 
of a hill near the sea, the houses rising one above another. • The 
streets are so narrow.that two persons can hardly walk abreast. 
The roofs of the houses are flat, so that the people can walk from 
one to another the whole length of a street. Pop. 100,000. 

Morocco embraces a much larger territory than Algiers. The 
city of Morocco, the capital, is a large place situated in a pleasant 
plain. It once had as many inhabitants as Paris, but it now con¬ 
tains less than 100,000. It has many temples, mosques, and other 
vestiges of ancient grandeur. It also contains a royal palace. Fez 
is the most splendid city in Barbary. Its mosques are numerous 
and magnificent. Pop. 100,000. 

Morocco is governed by a despot, styled emperor, whose will is 
law. His subjects are made to believe that if they die in the exe¬ 
cution of his commands, they shall be immediately raised to para¬ 
dise; while those who perish by his own hands, are supposed to 
enjoy the highest bliss a future life can bestow. 

Tunis embraces a district somewhat less extensive than Algiei*s. 
The city of Tunis is the capital, and has considerable trade. The 
houses are generally built of mud, one story high, and the streets 
between them are narrow and dirty. Pop. 120,000. Ten miles 
from this place are the scarcely visible ruins of ancient Carthage, 
a city that once withstood the power of Rome. The government, 
of Tunis is despotic; the office of dey is hereditary. ' 

Tripoli, including Barca and Fezzan, is about three times as ex¬ 
tensive as New England. The city of Tripoli, the ca})ital, has an 
excellent harbor, and narrow streets, with low, mean houses. Pop. 
25,000. The government is despotic, and is in the hands of a 
bashaw or governor. It was formerly subject to Turkey, but is 
now independent. The government is hereditary. 

lf)2. How does Algiers appear, compared witli cities in Aineiica and Europe? People? 
Wild animals? How large is the country of Algiers? Wliat of the government? To what 
country is it now subject? Describe the city of Algiers. Population? What of Morocco? 
The city of Morocco!’ Fez? How is Morocco governed? What of the Emperor? How 
large is the country of Tunis? City of Tunis? What ol the ruins of ancient Carthage? 
Government of Tunis? What is the extent of Tripoli^ City of Triooli^ Goverurueut of 
TripoU? What of the bashaw? 



BARBARA STATES. 


183 


Barca is principally a desert; it is subject to Tripoli. Derne, 
the capital, was taken in 1805, by , Gen. Eaton, with a small body 
ol’ American and African troops, who crossed the desert from 
Egypt. 


183. General View of the Barbary States. 

A chain of mountains, whose tops are covered with perpetual 
snow, crosses the territory of the Barbary states, nearly from east 
to west. Between these mountains, which are called" the Atlas 
range, and the sea, is a tract of level, well-watered and fertile land, 
from 50 to 200 miles in width. South of the mountains, and 
between them and the great desert, which stretches over a vast ex¬ 
tent, is another tract, dry and sandy, yet very prolific in a species 
of 'fruit called dates. 

The climate of these countries is delightful. On the coast, a 
mild, spring-like breeze prevails nearly the whole year; but the 
plague is sometimes introduced from Constantinople, and makes 
great ravages. The earth is very fruitful, where it is watered by 
rivers. In winter, violent showers are frequent. In .January, the 
meadows are already adorned with verdure; and in April and May, 
the whole country is covered with flowers. Vegetation is vigorous 
and exuberant. Barley is the most important production. Wheat 
and other grain are extensively cultivated. The Indian fig-tree is 
used for hedges; and the vine, whose trunk is often as large as a 
common-sized tree, stretches itself in beautiful windings from one 
tree to another. Well-cultivated olive gardens are every where 
seen. Pomegranates, oranges, and melons abound. The cypress, 
the cedar, and the almond-tree grow every where. In all directions, 
bushes of white roses are seen, from which the ottar is extracted. 
The sugar-cane, the palm-tree and the lotus are common. 

Among the domestic animals, we may notice the camel, and 
slieep with immense fat tails, which are esteemed a great delicacy. 
Wild boars aud other game are abundant in the forests. In the 
interior, are apes, jackals, hyeenas, lions, panthers, and various 
kinds of antelopes. Ostriches are found in the desert, 
i In the mountains, silver, copper, iron, lead and antimony are 
found. Salt is abundant. Salt springs are more numerous than 
fresh, and all the lakes are nearly as salt as the ocean. 

There is considerable commerce between these states and various 
European countries on the Mediterranean. Morocco exports 
morocco leather, corn, wool, goatskins, &c. Tripoli exports oil. 

What of Barca? Bv whom was Derne taken in 1805? 

183. What crosses-the Barbary states from east to west? Land between the mountains and 
the sea? South of the mountains? Climate on the coast? What of the plague? Soil? 
What of the country in January, April, and May? Vegetation? Productions? What of the 
fig? Vine? Olive'gardens? Other fruits? Trees? What are seen every where? What 
are common? Domestic animals? What are abundant in the forests? What in the interior? 
In the desert? What are found in the mountains? What of springs? Lakes'* Commerce? 
Exporli of Morocco? ^jtports oS Tripoli? 











184 


SARBARY STATES' 


wax, honey, salt, dates, ostrich feathers, &c. There is also con 
siderable trade, by means of caravans, with the interior of Africa. 

These states, particularly Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, were 
formerly engaged in piracy. In their piratical expeditions they 
exhibited the utmost courage and fierceness. T'heir captives were 
generally subjected to the most galling slavery. 

The Barbary states are inhabited by several races: First, the 
Moors, whose complexion is nearly as dark as the Ameriean Indians; 
they live principally in the towns and cultivated plains. They are 
jealous, unsociable, dissembling, incapable of love or friendship, and 
so idle, that they will sit wliole days wdth their legs crossed, 
gazing at the passers by. Tliey Siddom laugh, have lew amuse¬ 
ments, and think it a crime to possess a book. They are devoted 
Mahometans, and hate and despise the Jews and Christians heartily 



The next class are the Jews, of whom there are great numbers. 
These people are much despised, taxed, and abused, yet the indolent 
Moors allow them to engross almost every species of lucrative trade 
and commerce. They coin the money, manufacture ornaments of 
all kinds, and transact the greater part of the business. Many of 
them acquire immense w^ealth, wdiich they carefully conceal, lest 
the rapacious rulers should rob them of it. 

There are some Turks in these states. They are principally 
soldiers, and in Algiers they formerly determined what individual 
should fill the office of dey. 

The most numerous race in Barbary is that of the Arabs. This 
people resemble the Moors; but while the latter settle in towns 
and villages, the Arabs generally lead a wandering life in the coun¬ 
try, and are sometimes called Bedouins. They are large, muscular. 


Trade with (he interior of Africa? What of piracy** Deacrihe the Moom. DeucHba 
the. picture. ^Vhat of the Jew%; Turkij Arabs. 















DESERT OF SAHARA. 


185 


and handsome, with piercin'^ black eyes. They have teeth as white 
as ivory, and shining black hair. In this part of Africa, their com- 
jdexion is brown; in more southern latitudes, it is much darker. 
They live in tribes of from 10 to 100 families, and make use of 
tents for shelter, instead of houses, so that they may easily remove 
from place to place. They are governed by one of their own 
number, called a sheik, and pay a reluctant tribute to the head 
government. Their business is war, and their wealth plunder. 
Wo to those who fall within the power ol’ these robbers! 

The next class are called Berbers, who are descendants of the 
original inhabitants of the country, and dwell in the mountains, 
generally in small villages, though they have some towns. They 
are wild, athletic, and well formed, and bear with ease, hunger and 
every species of hardship. They are expert marksmen, and are, 
for the most part, inhuman and faithless robbers. Jealous of their 
liberty, they are only subject to their sovereign in name, and usually 
carry on war with the troops employed in collecting the taxes due 
to tlie government. Some of them are shepherds, and inhabit caves 
on the mountains. 

Besides these several races, there are many negroes in Barbary;— 
most of them, however, are slaves that have been taken by the 
Arabs in the interior. 

184. DESERT OF SAHARA. 

Mitp of Africa. In whal direction from the Barbary states is the great desert of Africa? 
How is this desert hounded? Where is Fez/.an? Mourzouk? Bilrna? The Mooselmins? 
The Lahdessebas? Mongearts? Tuaricks? Wadelims? What countries lie along the south* 
ern border of the great desert? Where is cape Blanco? Cape Bojador? 

185. DESERT OF SAHARA, continued. 

The Great Desert of the north of Africa seems to be table land 
somewhat raised above the level of the sea. It is covered with 
moving sands, and here and there contains rocky heights and val¬ 
leys. In the latter, the water collects and nourishes some thorny 
shrubs, ferns, and grass. Along the shore of the Atlantic ocean, 
there are mountains, but in no continued chain. For a great part 
of the year, the dry, heated air of the desert has the appearance of 
a reddish vapor, and the horizon looks like the fire of a series of 
volcanoes. An aromatic plant resembling thyme, acacias, and other 
thorny shrubs, nettles, and brambles, constitute the ordinary vege¬ 
tation of the desert. A grove of date and palm-trees is sometimes, 
though but rarely, seen. Forests of gum-trees grow on the extreme 
margin of the desert, towards Senegambia. Some monkeys and a 


Berbers. What of negroes? 

185. Whal does the Great Desert appear to be? With what is it covered? What does it 
comaiu? What are nourished by the water in the valleys? VFhat of the mountains on the 
shore of the Atlantic ocean? Air of the desert? Horizon? Vegetation? What are rarely 
seeii> Wh'at of gun>trees? What animals support themselves on the vegetation of the desert? 

15* 





.186 


DESERU OF SAHARA 


few antelopes support themselves on tlie scanty vegetation. The 
ostrich also lives here, in numerous flocks, feeding on lizards and 
snails, together with some coarse plants. Lions, })anthers, and 
serpents, add to the horrors of these frightful solitudes. 

Scattered over this vast desert, there are occasional fertile spots, 
where there is water; these are called oases. They serve as resting- 
places for the caravans; and are the temporary residence of the Arab 
tribes, wdth their families and flocks. These people not only inhabit 
the more fertile plains around the desert, but roam over "the vast 
bosom of the desert its^elf, making occasional halts of days and weeks, 
and removing for pasturage or plunder, as the case ^nay require. 
Men, women and children, horses and other animals, live crowded 
together, under the same cover. They subsist on millet, maize, 
dates, gum, and the milk of their camels and cows: they are tem¬ 
perate and abstemious, to an astonishing degree. They have cattle 
with humps on their backs, and horses whose fleetness is equal to 
that of the ostrich. Tliey have some arts among them, such as 
weaving cloth of hair, making leather, converting the skins of wild 
animals to various uses, besides manufacturing ornaments of gold 
and silver. They have itinerant goldsmiths, who make bracelets 
and other trinkets. 



The caravans which cross the desert consist usually of several 
hundreds, and sometimes several thousands of camels, with as many^ 
men. 1 he camels are loaded with merchandise, belonging to the 
merchants, who, for safety against the Arabs, and the other dangers 
ol tlie desert, unite themselves with these expeditions. These cara¬ 
vans cross the country in various directions, and perform on this sea 
01 sand th e business accomplished by ships on the ocean. By means 


Ifmv , I 7 ® '*7 Their use? What of tlie Arabs? 

now do UuA I VC? On xvhat subsist? Their character? Cattle? Horses? Arts? Describe 
the luciiire. Describe the caravans. What of caravans? What business do they perform? 









DESERT OF SAHARA. ^37 

[| of these, the whole trade of the interior of Africa is carried on with 
1 the various jilaces on the coast. 

; In crossing the desert, the heat being excessive, the caravans often 
travel in the night, and are guided by the stars. They do not pro- 
ceed in a straight line, but from one oasis to another, 'making halts 
at these places for rest and refreshment. Not only is there danger 
b to the caravans from the Arabs, but the simoom or shoom, adread- 
1 ful burning wind, sometimes sweeps over the desert with such 
it I ower, that it raises and rolls before it vast waves of red sand, re- 
I sembling the billows of the ocean. The scorching heat of this wind 
often dries up the water of the caravans, which is carried in leather 
1 bottles for the merchants, the camels, and their drivers. In 1S05, 

?, a caravan of 2000 persons and 1800 camels, not finding water at 

1 - the usual resting-places, died of thirst, both men and animals, 
e Being forbidden by their religion the use of inebriating liquors, 

0 the merchants of the caravans know no other drink than water, 

j Their dress is simple, and their food consists of dates and barley 

j meal. Fortified by their frugality, and sustained by the prospect 

j of returning to their homes, they sing as they trudge along, and 

ij when the camels seem ready to drop down with fatigue, they cheer 

I the toiling brutes with the greater animation of their songs. Having 

I pitched their tents^ they join in prayer; supper succeeds; and when 
ji this is finished, they sit down in a ring, and converse and recite 
; stories, till their eyes are closed in sleep. 

I’his immense desert, which stretches from the Atlantic ocean to 
the confines of Egypt and Nubia, is about 3000 miles in length, and 
800 in width. It appears to be nearly separated into two parts by 
the fertile district of Fezzan. That portion of the desert which 
lies west of Fezzan, is called Sahara, and is about 2000 miles in 
extent. 

Fezzan is represented as a cultivated region, 300 miles in length 
by 200 in width, and contains about 100 towns and villages. It 
consists of an extensive valley, bounded on all sides, except on 
the west, by irregular mountains; The heat of summer is here 
intense; in winter, cold bleak winds prevail.' The sultan, who - 
resides at Mourzouk, is subject to the bashaw of Tripoli. 

Fezzan derives its importance ffom its situation, which renders 
it a depot for the immense trade between the Barbary states and the 
central portions of Africa; by means of caravans, it maintains a 
yh regular and extensive trade with Bornou, and other portions ol’ 
iel{i Central Africa. The goods sent to the southward from Fezzan, 

[syti consist of fire-arms, powder, sabres, knives, paper, tobacco, &c.; 


1 Why do they travel in the night? How do they proceed? What dangers do tliey experi- 
ii ence? Conseipieiice of the heat of the simoom? W'hat happened in 1805? What are the 
I merchants ol' tlie cai'avans forbidden by their religion? What of their drink? Dress? Food? 
I Describe the jou; i.ey of a caravan over the desert. What follows after pitching their teiits.* 
B Extent of the deffcn’? Division? What of the portion lying west of fezzan? What of fei* 
Bzan? What are I goods sent from Fezzan to the south? 







188 


CENTRAL Africa 


tlie articles returned are gold dust, copper, tigers’ skins, civet, dried 
skins and slaves in large numbers. The principal town is ^lour- 
zouk, at which the English have a consul. 

The Great Desert, both on the east and west of Fezzan, is in¬ 
habited by wandering tribes. The people called Mooselmins live to 
the north of Bojador. They remain by their fields in seed time 
and harvest, but wander in all directions, with their cattle, the 
rest of the year; having previously deposited their grain in the 
earth, they return to these stores as frequently as they have need. 
Their government is republican, and their chiefs are elected annu¬ 
ally. Idieir country is populous, and they are better clothed and 
more prosperous than the Moroccans. They excel in breaking and 
managing their horses, which are among the finest in the world. 

The Mongearts are a ferocious people, living between cape 
Blanco and cape Bojador. They allure vessels to the shore by 
signals, and then take possession of the crew and their stores. 
The Wadelims and Labdessebas, who live near cape Blanco, are 
described as monsters of cruelty, by a Frenchman who had the 
misfortune to suffer shipwreck on their coasts. 

The Tuaricks are spread over the southern part of the desert, 
along the border of Soudan or Nigritia. They are constantly en¬ 
gaged in robbery, and from Bornou to Tombuctoo, the negro 
inhabitants of the villages are continually exposed to their ravages. 

1S6. COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL AFRICA. 

Map Eurnpe. Where is the country called Nigritia? In what direction must you travel 
to go tVoin Tripoli to Tombuctoo, stopping at Mourzouk? What do you cross? How would 
you expect to travel? Wliat of the river Niger? What lake in llornou? 

Wliere is Bornou? Darfoor? Houssa? Bergoo? Bamharra? Yaoor? The country of 
the Foulahs? Where is Tombuctoo? Direction from Morocco? Algiers? Tunis? New : 
York? New England? From you? Where is Kouka? Kashiia? Sackatoo? Sego? 
Kano? Wara? Babalia? Lari? Jenne? 

187. COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL AFRICA, continued. 

The interior of Africa is imperfectly known. Various attempts 
have been made by European travellers to explore these regions. 
One of the most enterprising of these, Mungo Park, lost his life in 
a second expedition to this country. Denham, Clapperton and 
Landers, have lately succeeded in penetrating into the country, andH 
their accounts give us certain knowledge of parts of Soudan or 
Nigritia; but south of the mountains of the Moon, there is a VEist 
country called Ethiopia, which remains wholly unexplored. 

Bornou is the most powerful of the Nigritian kingdoms. The | 


What are returned from the south to Fezzan? What of Mourzouk? How is the desert 
inhabited? Where do the Mooselmins live? What of them? Their covernment? Chiefs? 
Country? In what do they excel? Where do the Mongearts live? What of them? What 
people live near cape Blanco? How are they described’’ 

187 Is the interior of Africa well known? What attempts have been made? What of 
Mungo Park? Messrs. Denham Clapperton and Landers? What knowledge do we giiin from 
their acoounls’' What of Ethiopia? What of Bornou? 






CENTRAL AFRICA 


iG9 

country is level, well watered, and fertile; but little gram is pro¬ 
duced, Cotton and the indigo plant grow wild, and are the most 
valuable productions. Indian corn is also in extensive use. The 
domestic animals are dogs, sheep, goats, cows, and herds of oxen, 
■j Horses are bred, and domestic fowls are common and cheap. Bees 
are so numerous as in some places to obstruct the passage of travel¬ 
ler. Lake Tchad abounds in water fowl, many of the sjiecies 
being unknown in Europe. The waters are sweet, and filled with 
fish. Game and wild animals are abundant. Reptiles are numer¬ 
ous. Major Denham gives the following interesting account of his 
first visit to this lake:— 

“ By sunrise I was on the border of the lake armed with my gun. 
Flocks of geese and wild ducks of a most beautiful plumage were 
quietly feeding very near to me. My purpose of firing upon them 
was almost shaken. As I moved towards them, they only chang¬ 
ed their {ilaces a little to the right or left, and appeared to have no 
idea that I meant them any harm. 

“ All this was so really new, that I hesitated to abuse the confi¬ 
dence with which they regarded me, and very quietly sat down to 
contemplate the scene before me. Pelicans and cranes four or 
five feet high, gray, variegated, and white, were scarcely so many 
yards from my side. Immense spoonbills of a snowy whiteness, 
widgeon, teal, yellow-legged plover, and a hundred species of un¬ 
known water fowl, were sporting before me.” 

The people of Bornou are negroes, but large numbers of Arabs 
^called Shouas have settled among them. Kouka is the caj>ital, 
'^land the residence of the sheik. At this place, Messrs. Denham 
“jand Clapperton saw several tho'usand cavalr}^, whose bodies were 
R defended with a covering of iron mail. At the market of this 
iji town, at least 15,000 persons were assembled. The articles at the 
’ I market were various and abundant, and were brought on bullocks 
The government of Bornou is in the hands of a sheik; the laws 
are arbitrary, and strictly executed. 

There are thirteen principal towns; they are generally well 
built, and surrounded with walls of earth, SO to 40 feet high, and 
20 feet thick. The religion is generally Mahometan, and the cus¬ 
toms of the people barbarous. 

East of Bornou, there are several tribes; and bordering on Abys- 
jfjsinia and Nubia, is the kingdom of Darfoor. This country is 
3 liwatered by the river Bahr el Aliad, which is said to flow into the 
iNile. It is governed by a sultan, or sovereign, who is despotic. 
The elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe or camelopard, buffaloes, wild 


al, 

i- 

i 

i\ 


Face of the country? Soil? Productions? Wliat are the domestic animals? What of 
horses and fowls? Bees? What of lake Tchad? With what is it filled? What of ^ame? 
Wild animals? Beptiles? What of the people of Bornou? Shoiias? What of Kouka? 
What did Messrs. D. and C. see there? Describe the market at Kouka. Government of 
Boriion? Laws? Towns? Religion? Customs of the people? What of tribes east of 
Bornou? Wliere is the kingdom of Darfoor? How is it watered-i* Goveinment^ What 
auimals are comuioa? 








190 


CENTRAL AFRICA. 


boars and antelopes are common here. The people cnltivat.e mil 
let, by digging holes in the ground, and covering tiie seed with 
their^feet; bestowing upon it no other labor till harvest. Wheat 
is cultivated, and rice grows spontaneously, in such quantities as to 
be little prized. Cobbe, the capital, has 6,000 inhabitants; and 
there are many other towns. The customs of the people are bar¬ 
barous; in character they are cowardly, thievish, and deceitful. 

Houssa lies west of Bornou, and is a populous and powerful 
kingdom. The face of the country is diversified, highly cultivated, 
and as neatly fenced as in England. The villages are thickly scat¬ 
tered over the country, which is represented as in the highest de¬ 
gree pleasing and beautiful. Kano is the metropolis of the king¬ 
dom. It is 15 miles in circuit, and surrounded by a wall 30 feet 
high. The markets are supplied with every luxury. Half the in¬ 
habitants are slaves. Boxing matches are frequent, and attract 
great crowds of spectators. 

The Felatahs, a race of people differing from the negroes, seem to 
spread over a considerable part of Nigritia. In some places, they 
are mingled with the other inhabitants; in others, there are towns 
wholly or chiefly inhabited by them. They are said to be a re¬ 
markably handsome people, of a copper color. Sackatoo is their 
capital, and is a very populous city, laid out in regular, well-built 
streets; it has two large mosques, and two large markets. ’ The 
sultan resides here. At this place Capt. Clapperton died, on a 
second expedition to the country. This kingdom, which is of 
modern origin, seems to be extensive and powerful, holding several 
others in subjection. Yaoor is one of its tributaries. 



How is millet cultivated? What of Wheat? Rice? What of Cobbe? Other towns? 
Customs of the people in Darfoor? Where is Ilrnissa? P'acc of the country? What of 
the villages? What of Kano? Markets? Inhabitants? Boxing matches^ What of the 
Felatahs? What of Sackatoo? Buildings? Where does the sultaa reside? Is the kingdom 
of like FelalaJu extemive> What ol’ Yaoor? 










SENEGAMBIA. 


191 


j Tombiictoo is an extensive country, inhabited principally by ne- 
^ groes. The climate is salubrious, and the soil is in some ])arTs fer- 
, tile, in others sandy and barren. Various kinds of grain are culti- 
j vated. Indigo and coffee grow spontaneously in the fertile parts. 

In the Niger, crocodiles and the hippopotamus are bred, and huge 
f elephants repose under trees of extraordinary size and beauty, 
j While INIungo Park was travelling on the banks of the Niger, liis 
|; attendant was seized by a crocodile; the picture on the preceding 
' page represents this adventure. 

j The city of Tomhuctoo has been generally supposed to be one 
j of the largest in Africa; but M. Cailie, a French traveller, who 
' professes to have reached that city, and spent some time therQ, gives 
I a very different account of it. He describes it as situated in a vast 
j sandy plain, about eight miles south of the river Djoliba or Niger. 
I The country around it is exceedingly barren, and the people 
\ rely wholly upon supplies which are received from the adjacent 
districts. 

' The city forms a sort of triangle, about three miles in circuit, 

1 and contains not more than 12,000 inhabitants. The houses are 
low, and generally built of brick. The streets are clean, and the 
inhabitants dress with considerable neatness. The king is repre¬ 
sented as a mild prince, much beloved by the people. 

The inhabitants are negroes, and profess the Mahometan religion. 

I The city is resorted to by caravans from Morocco and other parts 
I of Africa. Its trade is considerable, but has been very much dimin¬ 
ished by the constant dangers to which caravans are exposed from 
the Tuaricks. There are many Moorish merchants in the city; 
some of them remain till they have made their fortunes, and then 
return to their ov/n country. 

Bambarra is a large kingdom, which is traversed from west to 
east by the Niger, and is generally very fertile. The inhabitants 
are Moors and Negroes. By the account of M. Cailie, it appears 
that this kingdom is less extensive than when Mungo Park travel¬ 
led in it. Jenne, the former capital of Bambarra, has been the seat 
of a new empire, formed by a Foulah or Felatah prince, named 
Lejo Ahmadon. He has recently built a new capital, called El- 
Lamdou-Lillahi. 

Between Bambarra and Senegambia, there are other nations, of 
whom we have but little exact information. It is probable that ir 
their general characteristics they resemble those we have described^ 

I In loolfing back upon this portion of Africa, embracing the various 
I countries south of the Great Desert, between Senegambia on the 
I west, and Nubia and Abyssinia on the east, we see a' vast and fer- 


IIow is Tombiictoo inliabited? Climate? -.Soil? Productions? Animals? Describe the 
j'ictnre. Hoiv is Touibiictoo described b_v M. Cailie? Number ol' inhabitants? Houses? 
Streets? Kins:? What of the people? Trade? Merchants? What of Camharra? Soil? 
Inhabitants? What of Jenne? Foulah prince? What of other nations? What do we see 
on looking back on these countries' 



192 


CENTRAL AFRICA 


tile region, occupied by a confused assemblage of nations, consist¬ 
ing of negroes, iiloors and Arabs, living in a state of barbarism, but 
ditfering in character, and exhibiting dilfcrent degrees of advance¬ 
ment towards civilisation. , Among them all, the means of sub¬ 
sistence are abundant, the government despotic, and the religion 
Mahometan. 


183. SENEGAMBIA. 

Map of Atlantic Ocean. In what direction is Senegainbia from New England? Florida? 
Mexico? Colombia? The mouth of the Amazon? Cape Horn? Which is the nearest part 
of Africa to South America? How far from cape Verde to cape St. Roque? 

Map of Africa. In what part of Africa is Senegambia? Boundaries of Senegambia? 
What of the Senegal river? Gambia? Grande? Niger? What capes on the coast? What 
islands? What is the capital? Direction of Teemboo from Algiers? Kouka? Mourzouk? 
Tombuctoo? Fez? 

189. SENEGAMBIA, continued. 

Senegambia is an extensive country, of a diversified surface. 
Near the sources of the Senegal there are mountains. The banks 
of this river, 140 miles from the sea, are highly picturesque. A 
voyage up the stream v/ould be one of the most delightful in the 
world, were it not for the unwholesomeness of the air, the hideous 
aspect of the crocodiles, and the bellowing ol‘ the hippopotami. A 



large portion of the surface is occupied by immense alluvial tracts. 
The climate is probably the hottest in the world, owing to the east¬ 
erly winds which are heated by sweeping across the burning sur¬ 
face of Africa. It is a very unhealthy country, particularly to 
Europeans; yet the French, Portuguese, and English have some 

What of the means of subsistence? G Dveriimeiit? Religion? 

189. What of Senegambia? What a! mountains? \^'hat of the river Senegal? Describe 
the picture. How is a large poi'iioii the snri'ace occupied? Climate? Why is it hoi? 
Is the country healthy'’ Who have eltlemeals on the coast'* 

























SIERRA LEONE. 


193 


settlements on the coast; these obtain large quantities of wax, ivory, 
gold, and gum arabic. The latter exudes from the acacia-tree, of 
which there are large forests on the borders of the desert. 

The wild animals are elephants, monkeys, antelopes, hippopota¬ 
mi, spotted hyesnas, jackals, crocodiles, and camelopards. The 
domestic animals are camels, buffaloes, asses, sheep, goats and cat¬ 
tle. Parroquets in flocks are seen among the trees. Gold is found 
on the coast. 

Senegambia is occupied by various tribes, of whom we have 
very imperfect accounts. They are all negroes, but marked with 
various distinctions of person, character, and manners. They 
generally live under petty sovereigns, whose government has no 
great stability. In general, they are an amiable race, yet ignorant, 
barbarous, and degraded. Among these various nations, the Foulahs 
or Felatahs, Yalofs, and Mandingoes are the most numerous. 

The Foulahs are widely diffused over Africa; large numbers of 
them live about the sources of the Gambia and Rio Grande. They 
seem to be a mixture of the Berber and negro race. Their dispo¬ 
sitions are mild, and they have a turn for agriculture. They are 
Mahometans, but not very strict observers of the injunctions of 
their faith. 

The Yalofs occupy a country little known, between the Senegal 
and Gambia; they are the handsomest negroes of western Africa; 
have woolly hair, thick lips, and are very black, with regular 
features. In character they are mild, hospitable, and faithful. 
Their religion is a mixture of Mahometanism and idolatry. They 
are governed by an emperor, who lives at Hickarker; the govern¬ 
ment is regular and well administered. The people manufacture 
cotton goods. Several states have separated from the Yalof em¬ 
pire, and have independent governments. 

The Mandingoes are spread over the country near the sources 
of the Niger, and extend eastward to Bambarra. They are said to 
be the most numerous people in western Africa. Many of them 
are merchants, who trade in all the adjoining districts. They are 
gentle, cheerful, credulous and inquisitive. 

, 190. SIERRA LEONE. 

Map of Africa. Where is Sierra Leone? What of the Rio Grande? What island nev{ 
Sierra Leone? Where is Freetown? Direction from Cairo? Morocco? Kouka? Tom 
buctoo? 


191. SIERRA LEONE, continued. 

The English settlemelit on the coast of Sierra Leone was forrrv 

What is obtained by the settlers? What of acacia-trees? Wild animals in Senegambia^ 
Domestic? Birds? Gold? How is Senegambia occimied? What of the inhabitants? Which 
are the most nuiuerotis? What of the Foulahs? How are the greater part of them gov 
erned? Religion? What of the Yalofs? Where is the country of the Mandingoes? What 
of them^ 

191. What settlement on the coast of Sierra Leone? 

IT 






192 


CENTRAL AFRICA 


tile region, occupied by a confused assemblage of nations, consist¬ 
ing of negroes. Moors and Arabs, living in a state of barbarism, but 
ditlering in character, and exhibiting different degrees of advance¬ 
ment towards civilisation. , Among them all, the means of sub¬ 
sistence are abundant, the government despotic, and the religion 
Mahometan. 


18S. SENEGAMBIA. 

Map of Atlantic Ocean. In what direction is Senegambia from New England? Florida? 
Mexico? Colombia? The mouth of the Amazon? Cape Horn? Which is the nearest part 
of'Africa to South America? How far from cape Verde to cape St. Roque? 

]\[up of Africa, In what part of Africa is Senegambia? ■ Boundaries of Senegambia? 
What of ihe Senegal river? Gambia? Grande? Niger? What capes on the coast? What 
islands? What is the capital? Direction of Teemboo from Algiers? Kouka? Mourzouk? 
Tombuctoo? Fez? 


1S9. SENEGAMBIA, continued. 

Senegambia is an extensive country, of a diversified surface. 
Near the sources of the Senegal there are mountains. The banks 
of this river, 140 miles from the sea, are highly picturesque. A 
voyage up the stream would be one of the most delightful in the 
world, were it not for the unwholesomeness of the air, the hideous 
asjiect of the crocodiles, and the bellowing of the hippopotami. A 



large portion of the surface is occupied by immense alluvial tracts. 
The climate is probably the hottest in the world, owing to the east¬ 
erly Avinds which are heated by SAveeping across the burning sur¬ 
face of Africa. It is a very unhealthy country, particularly to 
Europeans; yet the French, Portuguese, and English have some 

What of the means of subsistence? 0Dvernmeiil? Helicion? 

189. AVhat of Senegambia? AVhat oi' mountains? AA'hat of tlie river Senecal? Describe 
the picture. How is a laruie portion t' the surface occupied? Climate? AVhy is it hot? 
Is the country healiliy’’ AVho have ettlemeuls on the coast^ 






























SIERRA LEONE. 


193 


settlements on the coast; these obtain large quantities of wax, ivory, 
gold, and gum arahic. The latter exudes from the acacia-tree, oi’ 
which there are large forests on the borders of the desert. 

The wild animals are elephants, monkeys, antelopes, hippopota¬ 
mi, spotted hyaenas, jackals, crocodiles, and camelopards. The 
domestic animals are camels, buffaloes, asses, sheep, goats and cat¬ 
tle. Parroquets in flocks are seen among the trees. Gold is found 
on the coast. 

Senegambia is occupied by various tribes, of whom we have 
very imperfect accounts. They are all negroes, but marked with 
various distinctions of person, character, and manners. They 
generally live under petty sovereigns, whose government has no 
great stability. In general, they are an amiable race, yet ignorant, 
barbarous, and degraded. Among these various nations, the Foulahs 
or Felatahs, Yalofs, and Mandingoes are the most numerous. 

The Foulahs are widely diffused over Africa; large numbers of 
them live about the sources of the Gambia and Rio Grande. They 
seem to be a mixture of the Berber and negro race. Their dispo¬ 
sitions are mild, and they have a turn for agriculture. They are 
Mahometans, but not very strict observers of the injunctions of 
their faith. 

The Yalofs occupy a country little known, between the Senegal 
and Gambia; they are the handsomest negroes of western x4frica; 
have woolly hair, thick lips, and are very black, with regular 
features. In character they are mild, hospitable, and faithful. 
Their religion is a mixture of Mahometanism and idolatry. They 
are governed by an emperor, who lives at Hickarker; the govern¬ 
ment is regular and well administered. The people manufacture 
cotton goods. Several states have separated from the Yalof em¬ 
pire, and have independent governments. 

The Mandingoes are spread over the country near the sources 
of the Niger, and extend eastward to Bambarra. They are said to 
be the most numerous people in western Africa. Many of’ them 
are merchants, who trade in all the adjoining districts. They are 
gentle, cheerful, credulous and inquisitive. 

, 190. SIERRA LEONE. 

3Iap of Africa. Where is Sierra Leone? What of the Rio Grande? What island nev{ 
Sierra Leone? Where is Freetown? Direction from Cairo? Morocco? Kouka? Ton; 
buctoo? 


191. SIERRA LEONE, continued. 

The English settlement on the coast of Sierra Leone was forrrv 

What is obtained by the settlers? What of acacia-trees? Wild animals in Senegambia^ 
Domestic? Birds? Gold? How is Senegambia occupied? What of the inhabitants? Which 
are the most numerous? What of the Foulahs? How are the greater part of them eov 
erned? Religion? What of the Yalofs? Where is the country of the Mandingoes? What 
of them^ 

191. What settlement on the coast of Sierra Leone? 

17 







194 


SIERRA LEONE 


ed for the express purpose of endeavoring to civilize the Africans 
In this quarter, the English have made the greatest exertions to 
diminish the trade in slaves, which has been carried on here for so 
many years. Yet it appears that the whole line of coast from 
Benguela to the mouth of the Senegal, swarms with slave ships, 
and that there are not less than 800 engaged in this wicked traffic. 

The slaves procured by these ships are generally obtained of the 
petty sovereigns along the coast, who sell criminals and captives 
taken in war. Such is the avarice of these despots, that they will 
resort to the grossest injustice and cruelty to gratify it. Since the 
establishment of this traffic, every crime is punished by selling the 
offender to a slave dealer, and when this resource fails, they will 
sometimes hunt down the inhabitants of a whole village, like a 
flock of deer. Some make an armed resistance; others fly to the 
woods, and to the dens of lions and panthers, scarcely so merciless 
as their pursuers. In this way, whole districts have been depopu¬ 
lated, and nations destroyed along the coast. 

One of the principal objects of the settlement of Sierra Leone 
has been accomplished. It now contains about 17,000 inhabitants, 
principally negroes; the colony is in a flourishing condition, and 
attests the capacity of this people to live happily in a state of civili¬ 
sation. There are numerous schools, where all the children are 
taught to read and write; and there are churches, where the people 
assemble on the Sabbath for worship. Freetown is the principal 
town. Population, 4,000. 

Not less than 10,000 liberated slaves, from the slave ships cap¬ 
tured by the British cruisers, were in the colony in 1821. The 



For what purpose was it formed? Wliat have the English done here? What is the case, 
notwithstanding their exertions? How are slaves procured by the slave ships? What of the 
avarice of the petty sovereigns? What is the consequence of the establishment of this traffic 
in slaves? Ilow many inhabitants does Sierra Leone contain'* What of the colony^ 
Schools? Churches'* Population of Freetown'* How many liberated slaves were in the 
colony m 1321^ 














GUINEA. 


195 


landing of these cargoes is often a very affecting scene. The poor 
creatures, delivered from the hold of a slave ship, faint and emaci¬ 
ated by harsh treatment and disease, when received with kindness 
and sympathy by the inhabitants, among whom perhaps they 
recognise a brother, a sister, or a countryman, are overwhelmed 
with feelings which they find it difficult to express. 

192. LIBERIA. 

Map of Africa. Where is Liberia? Boundaries? What of the river Mesurado? What 
two capes on the coast? What two towns in Liberia? Direction of Monrovia from Algiers^ 
Tombuctoo? Boston? New York? From wdiere you are? 


193. LIBERIA, continued. 

In 1820, a colony was established here by the American Colo¬ 
nization Society, whose object was to aid in the gradual extinction 
of slavery in the United States, and to furnish an asylum for such 
of an abused race as may be willing to leave- a country, in which 
they must always be a degraded class of beings. The colony 
consists of negroes from the United States, either free blacks or 
emancipated slaves. Since its establishment, it has received several 
accessions. The number of inhabitants is about 1700. Every 
necessary provision is made for education, and religious instruction. 

The climate is fine, and the soil in the highest degree prolific. 
Many discouraging circumstances have contributed to retard the 
progress of the colony, but on the whole its condition is flourishing, 
and affords a fair prospect of realizing the benevolent design of its 
establishment. 


194. GUINEA. 

Map of Africa. Where is Guinea? Boundaries? What mountains in Guinea? What 
of the Formosa river? Lagos? Gaboon? What two gulfs in Guinea? What capes in 
Guinea? Where are Fernando Po, Princes, Annabon, and St. Thomas islands? Where is- 
Ooomassie? Direction from Monrovia? Tombuctoo? Tunis? Tripoli^ Sierra Leone? 
Where is Biafra? Abomey? Benin? Popo? 

195. GUINEA, CONTINUED. 

The English seamen have divided this country into the Gram 
coast. Ivory foast. Gold coast, and Slave coast, according to the va 
rious objects of trade at the respective places. The region called 
Grain coast appears now to be partly embraced within the limits of 
Liberia. The Aminas, a nation who have plenty of gold, occupy the 
interior, back of the Ivory coast, and extend in a northern direction 
to a distance of fourteen days’ journey. The people on the coast 
are represented as a warlike race, of an unsociable disposition, and. 


Describe the picture. Describe the landing of the slaves. 

193. Who made an establishment in Liberia in 1820? Its object? Of what does the colony 
consist? Has it received any accession? Number of inhabitants? What provision is made^ 
Climate? Soil? What of the progress of the colony? Its condition? 

195. How is Guinea divided? Where is the Grain Coast? Who occupy the interior oi 
Chiuktuf- Wh^ <1/ OB thp coast^ 







196 


GUINEA. 


accordinjT to report, they eat human flesh. The Portuguese call 
them the. Bad People. Elephants’ tusks are sold here, weighing 
two hundred pounds. 

To the east is the Gold coast, which derives its name from its 
great trade in Gold dust. The English, French, Dutch, Portu¬ 
guese, and Danes, all have trading settlements here. In the inte- 
l ior is Ashantee, which seems to be a powerful kingdom, and one 
that has made greater advances in civilisation than any other on 
this coast. Coomassie is the capital} it possesses a palace of some 
inagnificonce, and 40,000 inhabitants. It has constant intercourse 
with Tombuctoo and other places on the Niger. 

I'he Slave coast was once the resort oi' vessels that traded in 
slaves. This traffic induced the inhabitants to make war upon each 



other, to obtain captives, who were sold to the traders. The coun¬ 
try was formerly thickly inhabited, by people who excelled most 
other Africans in civilisation and the arts. But they have been con¬ 
quered by the king of Dahomey, and a fatal check has been put to 
their prosperity. This king, who raised himself from insignificance 
by his conquests, can bring a great force into the field. His villages 
are large and populous. Abomey, his capital, has 2^,000 inhabi¬ 
tants. His guard consists of 800 or 1000 women armed with mus¬ 
kets or javelins. Mr. Dalzel found the road to the king’s cottage 
strewed with human skulls. 

East of Dahomey is Benin, the king of which can bring 100,000 
men into the field. The city of Benin, the capital, is a large place; 
the streets are fifteen feet broad, and the houses are low and neat. 


Wliat are they called by the Portuguese? What of elephants’ tusks? To what circum¬ 
stance does the Gold coast owe its name? What people have settlements there? What of 
Ashantee? Capital? What vessels once resorted to the Slave coast? Describe the picture. 
What was the consemience? How was the country formerly inhabited? Who conquered 
them? What of the king of Dahomey? What is his capital? Guard? Where b Beaiu^ 
(What of the king' What of the city of Benin? 















LOANOa. OONQO. ANGOLA. BENGUELA. 


197 


The palace of the king is a vast structure defended by walls. In 
the rnarket may be seen dog’s flesh, roasted monkeys, bats, rats, 
and lizards. Biafra is a country lying east of Benin, of which little 
is known. 

The face of the country in Guinea is very various. The heat 
I is extreme, and the climate very fatal to Europeans. The forests 

' are as dense as those of Guiana or Brazil. The animals are similar 

I to those of Senegambia. 

I 196. LOANGO. CONGO. ANGOLA. BENGUELA. 

1 Map of Africa. Where are Loango, Congo,'Angola and Benguela? Boundaries? What 

I of the river Congo or Zaire? Coanza? Where is cape Ledo? What mountains in southern 

I Guinea? What bay in southern Guinea? Where is St. Salvador? Direction from Morocco? 

Algiers? Mourzouk? Sackatoo? Sierra Leone? New York? From you? Where is 
Banza Loango? Luanda Saij Paulo? Malembo? St. Philippe? 

197. LOANGO, CONGO, ANGOLA, BENGUELA, continued. 

I The country of Loango, having been drained of its inhabitants 
by the slave trade, is far less populous than formerly. It is repu- 
I ted to be extremely unhealthy to Europeans. Banza Loango, the 

|j capital, has long, straight, clean streets, and about 1500 inhabi¬ 

tants, who are tolerably industrious. The face of the country in 
Loango is diversified with mountains and plains. It is a considera¬ 
ble market for slaves, who are brought from various countries in 
the interior. 

The country of Congo is extremely fertile, and produces two 
crops in a year. Besides palm-trees, which are very fine, there are 
forests of the jasmine and wild cinnamon-trees, in great numbers. 
Hogs, sheep, birds, fowls, fish, and the tortoises are abundant. The 
little labor requisite to procure subsistence, in a climate where every 
thing is produced spontaneously, falls to the lot of the women. The 
Portuguese missionaries have obtained considerable influence here, 
which seems not to have been used for the moral improvement of 
the people. They are generally idolaters, indolent and supersti¬ 
tious, but cheerful, and, like all negroes, fond of dancing. The i 
capital, called by the Portuguese St. Salvador, is situated on a high 
mountain in the interior. This is the residence of the king; the 
streets are wide, and planted with palm-trees. The houses are 
white-washed within and without. This city is represented as 
salubrious and beautiful in a high degree. Pop. 18,000. 

Angola is a mountainous country, and little cultivated. Fresh 
water is scarce. Salt, wax and honey are the principal productions 


Palace of the king? Market? What of Biafra? Face of the country in Guinea? Heat? 
Climate? Forests? Animals? 

197. What of the country of Loango? Population? Is it unhealthy to Europeans? What 
of Banza Loango? Inhabitants? Face of the country in Loango? What of slaves? What 
of the soil of Congo? Crops? Trees? Animals? Dpon whom does the labor fall in Congo? 
What of Portuguese missionaries? Character of the people? What of St. Salvador? Popu- 
Utioii? What of Angola? Productions'* 

17 * 







198 


LOANGO. CONGO,ic. 


of the country. The Portuguese settlements exercise considerable 
authority here. 

Loando San Paulo is the capital of the Portuguese settlements 
in the west of Africa; the saints’ days are here celebrated with great 
pomp. 

Benguela, although equally subject to the Portuguese government, 
retains the title of kingdom and some insignificant privileges. Its 
interior is hilly and rugged, and shelters great numbers of elephants, 
rhinoceroses, zebras, and antelojies. In some of the provinces, the 
j)eople are (iressed in serpents’ skins. 

Such is the brief description afforded by travellers of these four 
kingdoms of southern Guinea. The soil, generally rich and fertile, 
returns a ready and ample harvest for the slight labor bestowed upon 
it by the people. A considerable part of the land is however unfit 
for cultivation. The mountains abound in various kinds of marble. 
Salt and iron mines are common. Nature, in the fertile jiarts all 
ife and activity, presents to the eye a luxui iance which no descrip¬ 
tion can exceed. Lilies white as snow, entire groves of tulijis, tube 
roses and hyacinths, are seen in every direction, beside multitudes 
of plants unknown in other regions. Groves of mangrove, sandal¬ 
wood and cedars cover the borders of the rivers. Crocodiles are 
found in all the rivers; lizards as large as crocodiles live on the land, 
and pursue sheep and other animals. The boa, a monstrous ser¬ 
pent, 25 or 30 feet long, darts from the trees on men and animals, 



and crushes them in his folds. Of the feathered tribe, there are 
the ostrich, jmeasant, peacock, and multitudes of gaudy parrots. 
It is said there is not a horse to be seen in the whole of Congo! 

Porliiguese settleraeiils? W'hat of Loando San Paulo? Benguela? Face of the country 
in Benguela? Animals? People in some provinces? Soil of southern Guinea? In what do 
the mouiUains ahound? What minus are common?. What does natigr^- present? Flow 
ers.® Plants? Trees> What of crocodiles? Lizards? The boa? Describe tlifc picture. 
Ostrich® Birds? 







COUNTRY OF THE HOTTENTOTS. 


199 


The natives of southern Guyjea appear to he inferior in under¬ 
standing to many other African tribes; their instincts and sentiments 
are gross; their passions fierce; and their manners, customs, and 
general mode of life, approach so near to those of mere animals, 
that no wonder they should have imagined that monkeys belonged 
to their own species. 


198. CIMBEBAS. 

Map of Africa. Where is Cimbebas? Direction from England? New England? From 
you? Boundaries? Where is N. W. point? What two capes in Cimbebas? What bay? 

199. CIMBEBAS, continued. 

The coast of Cimbebas is but little known; it is of dangerous ac¬ 
cess, and is scarcely inhabited. The English expedition, sent here 
to select a place to which criminals might be transported, found no 
spot that was not too bad for even such a purpose. 

Water that can be drank is very rare, and traces of verdure are 
to be seen only here and there. Behind this inhospitable region, 
toward the interior, is said to be a wandering horde of savages, 
called Cimbebas. Horned cattle constitute the riches of these wan¬ 
derers. Those who have 2 or 300 head of cattle are not considered 
rich. Theft is punished very severely. The people are clothed 
with ox hides, and have great decency in their external appearance. 
They seem to be superstitious, and are probably idolaters. 

200. COUNTRY OF THE HOTTENTOTS. 

Map of Africa, How is the country of the Hottentots bounded? What of the Yellow 
river? Orange? Zak? Where is Lagoa bay? Where is the country of the Namaquas? 
The Koranas? What mountains in the interior? 

201. COUNTRY OF THE HOTTENTOTS, continued. 

Between the country of the Cimbebas and Cape Colony, there 
IS an extensive tract, extending eastward to Caffraria, and north¬ 
ward to the 21st degree of latitude, which seems to be inhabited by 
various tribes, known under the general name of Hottentots. 

On the coast are the Namaquas. In their country, along the 
banks of the Orange river, are many elephants, lions and camelo¬ 
pards. The Koranas occupy a central country of great extent, 
which is rich in pasturage. They show in their buildings and 
dress some tendency to civilisation. The Boschmen, or Bushmen, a 
tribe of Hottentots, inhabit the mountainous country north of Cape 
Colony. These people appear to be in the last extreme of degra- 


What of the natives of southern Guinea? Instincts? Manners? Mode of life? 

199. What of Cimbebas? For what purpose did the English send to Cimbebas? What of 
water? Verdiu e? Horde of savages? What constitutes tlieir riches? What of those who 
have 2 or 300 cattle? How is theft punished? Clothing of the people? Their religion? 

201. Describe the country of the Hottentots. Tribes? Animals on the banks of the Or 
»nge river^ What of the Korautu' Where do the Bushmen reside^ What of this tribo. 







200 


COUNTRY OF THE HOTTENTOTS. 


dation to which liiiman nature can descend. There are various 
tribes of Hottentots living ii])on the borders of the colony, and 
Others spreading over the interior 



Those who live near the colony seem to have experienced the 
fate of the North American Indians—a debasement of character by 
contact with civilized society, and a gradual diminution of their 
numbers. Among some of the tribes, particularly the Namaquas, 
the missionaries have exercised the happiest influence. The Hot¬ 
tentots at the several missionary stations now cultivate the fields, 
own large numbers of cattle, exercise various trades, and contril3ute 
liberally to the support of religious and charitable institutions, ex¬ 
hibiting a striking proof of the power of Christianity to elevate 
men from the lowest point of intellectual and moral depression. 

There is a great diversity of character among the different tribes 
of the Hottentots. The Boschmen are tall and excessively lean, 
possessing a wild, unsteady, sinister expression of countenance. 
The natural yellow color of their skin is observable only under 
their eyes, where the tears excited by the smoke of the fire, round 
which they love to sit, sometimes wipe ofi’ the coat of soot and 
ashes which covers the whole body. The sting of the scorpion, 
very dangerous in this country to every other person, has no effect 
on these savages. They lead a most deplorable life. Arrayed with 
a bow and quiver full of arrows, they wander over the country 
alone or in small* parties. They subsist on roots, berries, ant-eggs, 
grashoppers, mice, toads, and lizards. They always use poisoned 
arrows in war. 

The Koranas are of a mild character, living in villages consisting 

Other tribes? What of those who live near the colony? Describe the picture. Where 
have the missionaries exerted a beneficial influence? What of the Hottentots at the missionary 
stations? What of the character of the various tribes of Hottentots? Describe the Boschmen. 
What of the stins; of the scorpion? What of their mode of life? Subsistence? Allows? 
Character of the Koranas? Mode of living? 











COtONV OE THE OAPEv 


201 


of small, half-round huts; these are made of a frame-work of sticks, 
covered with matting-, and are disposed in a circle, within which the 
cattle are placed at night for safety against the lions and other wild 
beasts. The colonial Hottentots have a feminine appearance, with 
a complexion, when not concealed by grease and dirt, of a yellowish 
brown. They are fond of trinkets, and are indolent and dull; but 
hannless, honest, faithful and affectionate. 

1 In the interior, the tribes possess many cattle, and some of them 
I seem to enjoy a tolerable existence. Covered by the skin of the 
iji sheep, the antelope or the lion, besmeared with grease of a black 
I or red color, and armed with a short club, the savage Hottentot, 

I singing and dancing, wanders about in the midst of the herds which 
form Ins riches. 


j 202. COLONY OF THE CAPE. 

' Map of Africa. Where is the Colony of the Cape? Boundaries? What of Zak river? 
, What three bays in Cape Colony? What two capes in Cape Colony? What is the capital? 

, Where is Cape Town? Direction from St. Salvador? Morocco'* "Algiers'’ Tunis'’ Mour- 
zoiik? Sackatoo? Boston? From where you are? 

203. COLONY OF THE CAPE, continued. 

The southern point of Africa was discovered by the Portuguese 
navigators, a few years before the discovery of America. Cape 
Town was founded in 1652, and peopled by criminals exiled from 

I Holland, and by unfortunate Frenchmen who fled from religious 
persecution. The Dutch settlers, reducing the Hottentots to sla¬ 
very, or driving them beyond the mountains, extended the Cape 
settlement to nearly its present limits. It was captured by the 
English, and is now their most important possession in Africa. Its 
j extent is nearly equal to that of the island of Great Britain. Its 
[ population, in 1822, was 120,000. 

The people are descendants of English, Germans, French, and 
Dutch, chiefly the latter. On the east, west, and south, the coun¬ 
try is washed by the ocean; on the north it is bounded by a range 
of mountains. Several ranges, one rising above the other, divide 
1 the country into successive terraces of different elevations, between 
which lie belts of fertile land and vast barren plains. The Table 
mountain, near Cape Town, is a stupendous mass of naked rock, 
rising almost perpendicularly about 4000 feet in height. The soil 
^ is various, but not generally fertile. The cultivation is imperfect, 
I and the inhabitants depend principally on pasturage. 

I Lions, tigers, wolves, hyaenas, buffaloes, and jackals, are nume- 


What of the colonial Hottentots? Tribes of the interior? Appearance and modes of life 
of the savage Hottentots? 

203. When was the southern point of Africa discovered? When was Cape Town founded? 
How peopled? What of the Dutch settlers? To whom does the cape settlement now belong? 
Its extent? Population? From whom are the people descended? Boundaries of the coun¬ 
try? Face of the country? What of Table mountain? Soil? Cultivation’’ Dependence 
of the inhabitants^ What animals are numerous near the settlement? 









202 


CAFFBARIA 


rous in the vicinity of the settlements. In more remote parts are 
the elephant, rhinoceros, zebra, wild ass, and herds of antelopes, 
some of which contain 10,000. The ostrich is common; vultures, 
eag-les and kites inhabit the mountains. Cape Town is the capital; 
it has a population of 18,000 inhabitants, nearly half of them slaves. 
The society is wholly of a commercial character. The principal 
export is Cane wine, made of grapes which were first introduced 
here by the French settlers. 

This colony is important to Great Britain, as a connecting link 
between that country and her East Indian possessions. The fleets 
going to India stop here for refreshment. Mahometanism prevails 
extensively among the negroes, particularly the slaves, fVom an 
aversion of their masters to have them become Christians. The 



Dutch settlers, who live in the interior, are called boors, and pos¬ 
sess large numbers of Hottentot slaves; yet they are indolent and 
stupid, exhibiting the utmost wretchedness in the midst of plenty. 
The preceding picture represents a scene among these boors. 

204. CAFF R ARIA. 

Map of Africa. Where is Caffrana? Direction from you.? Boundaries? Where u Port 
Natal? 

205. CAFFRARIA, continued. 

Under the name of Caffres, are several hordes of savages, occupy- 
inof the south-eastern coast of Africa. They inhabit a country which, 
till lately, has been little known. Along the shore, the country is 
marshy, but very fertile. It abounds in shrubs and flowers, many 


In more remote parts? Wlial is common? What birds inhabit the mountains? What of 
Cape Town? Principal export? Why is this colony important to Great Britain? Religion? 
W hat people are called boors? Describe the picture. Character of the boors? 

205. Who ate tho galli.e»/ Whero do thejt thft the- »hor^ 










fcAFFRARIAi' 


203 


of them exceedingly beautiful. In the interior are ranges of moun¬ 
tains running parallel to the shore. Numerous rivers, with steep 
banks, traverse these mountains, and find their way across the level 
country to the sea. 

The Catfres appear to be either a distinct race, or a mixture of the 
Negro and Arab. They are a handsome, vigorous people, of an 
iron gray complexion, with frizzled, but not woolly hair. 

Capt. Rose, who recently travelled among the Caftres, gives the 
following description:—“ The chief is generally distinguished from 
his followers, by a covering of tiger’s skin. When he stands sur¬ 
rounded by his armed attendants, wrapped in their dark cloaks, it 
forms a most imposing sight. Their figures are the noblest my eye 
ever gazed ujion; their movements the most graceful; their"atti¬ 
tudes the proudest. I have watched a group of Caftres as they 
stood around me, and marked their soft, pleasing manners, and mild 
eyes, and wondered they could ever be savage. But when the dis¬ 
course suddenly turned upon war, their eyes assumed a vindictive 
glare, and their lips curved with stern vengeance.” 

This interesting people have experienced the fate of all other 
savages, whose country has been wrested from them by European 
settlers. They have been shot like wild beasts, and, at a recent 
date, many of their villages have been burned, their cattle carried 
off, and their women and children left to perish by famine. 

The Caffres are of simple habits, dress in sheep-skins, use no salt, 
have no other drink than water, and live chiefly on milk in the form 
of curd. Their dwellings are low, circular cabins, constructed by 
the women. Cattle are of the first importance, and are the chief 
objects of affection to a Caflfre. Their cows are said to possess 



What of mountains? Rivers? What of the CaflTres? How does Capt. Rose describe them? 
ti_ii....- ? iTol.ifa? Ureas'* .Siihaistence^ DwcHings^ Wlial are the chief 












204 


CAFFRARIA AND ABYSSINIA 


uncommon docility, and to follow their masters like do^s. The 
common amusement of the Caffres is a dance, very rugular, stiff, 
and ridiculous. War and hunting are the favorite pursuits of the 
men. They have elephant hunts, which are laborious and dan¬ 
gerous. They also have lion hunts. In these they encircle the 
animal, and gradually approach him; he leaps upon one of the 
party, who immediately throws himself on the ground, covering 
his body with his shield. The others at this instant spring upon 
the lion, and pierce him with their spears. The women generally 
accompany these expeditions. 

206. COUNTRIES BETWEEN CAFFRARIA AND 
ABYSSINIA. 

Map of Africa. Boundaries of Monomotapa? Mozambique? Zanguebar? Ajan? Adel? 
Where fs Madagascar? What straits between Adel and Arabia? What capes along the coast 
from Caffraria to Abyssinia? What channel between Mozambique and Madagascar? What 
of the Zambese river? What mountains in Mozambique? What islands along the coast? 
Where is the town of Mozambique? Sofala? Magadoxa? Berbera? What direction are 
they from Algiers? Morocco? Tripoli? St. Salvador? Boston? From where you are? 



207. COUNTRIES BETWEEN CAFFRARIA AND 
ABYSSINIA, CONTINUED. 

Between Caffraria and Mozambique, the country along the 
coast is inhabited by various tribes. Sofala, extending 150 miles 
along the shore, is occupied by a people resembling the Caffres. 
The capital is a town of the same name. The Portuguese main¬ 
tain a fort here, but the town is a mere village, composed chiefly of 
huts. The country is thinly inhabited, and traversed by vast herds 
of elephants; ivory affords a staple article of commerce. Gold 


' What is their favorite amusement? Pursuits of the men? What of elephant hunts? 
Describe a lion hunt. Describe the picture. 

207. How is the country between Caffraria and Mozambique inhabited? How is Sofala 
•> occupied? Where is the Portuguese fort? How IS fbe country inhabited^ Traversed? What 
IS a staple article of coifijiperce^ What of ^pld ^sl? 






ABYSSINIA. 


205 


dust is also obtained and exported in considerable quantities. Some 
learned men suppose Sofa!a to be the Ophir of the Scriptures, to 
which Solomon sent ships for gold. 

Behind Sofala is the country of Monomotapa. The ruins of 
ancient edifices declare this to have been once the seat of a civilized 
and numerous people. The present king is one of the most power¬ 
ful princes pn Africa. The people are said to go nearly naked, 
are superstitious, and are believers in magic and enchantments. 
The country abounds in rice, maize, fruits, and wild beasts, common 
to southern Africa. There are mines in which gold is found imbed¬ 
ded in rocks. 

The coast of. Mozambique every where presents dangerous reefs 
and shoals, interspersed with a great number of small islands. The 
city of Mozambique is a Portuguese town, situated on an island. 
It is the principal town belonging to the Portuguese settlements on 
this coast. The trade in gold, ivory and slaves was formerly very 
extensive, but has now much declined. Pop. 3,000. The interior 
of this country is occupied by powerful negro tribes, who detest 
the Portuguese, and sometimes extend their ravages to the imme¬ 
diate vicinity of the city of Mozambique. 

The coast of Zanguebar is inhabited by savages. The interior 
IS almost wholly unknown. Considerable trade is carried on with 
these people, princij)ally through ihe Moors, who reside on the 
islands along the coast. The king is a negro, and receives much 
respect. He is however under the control of a Moorish vizier, sent 
by the powerful sheik of the island of Zanzibar. The country is 
described as possessing a burning climate, and sandy deserts;—as fill¬ 
ed with crocodiles, leopards of a large size, innumerable elephants, 
and multitudes of other wild animals. 

The eastern coast of Ajan presents to the eye of the navigator 
only a desolate mass of’ rocks and sands, where occasionally a wan¬ 
dering ostrich may be seen. .The northern portion produces abun¬ 
dance of all sorts of provision, from which it derives considerable 
commerce. 

Adel is the principal kingdom on this coast. It is ruled by a 
king, who assumes the title of Iman. The inhabitants have an 
olive complexion, with long hair, and do not in the least resemble 
the Cafires. The interior is ranged by tribes of Bedouin Arabs. 

208. ABYSSINIA. 

Mnp of Afi-ica. Where i* Abyssinia? Boundaries? What streams are in the northern 


Describe the picture. What do some learned men suppose? Where is Monopotama? 
WiMt do its ruins declare? What of the present king? People? In what does the counti'y 
aliound? What of mines? What does the coast of Mozambique present? What of the city 
of Mozambique'' What of trade? Population? How' is the interior of the country occupied? 
How is the coast of Zanguebar inhabited? What of the interior? How is trade carried on 
with the people? VPliat of the king? Under whose control is he? How is Zansruebar de- 
»<ril)ed? What of the eastern coast of Ajan? The northern portions? What of the king- 
sfom ot Ad«f^ I-idnbitauts^ How is the interior occi^jied? 

IS 




206 


ABYSSINIA. 


psrt? What lake in Abyssinia? What is the capital? Where is Gondar? Direction from 
Cape Town? Mourzouk? Cooniassie? Morocco? Tunb? New York? From you? 
Where is Axum? Zeila? . 

209. ABYSSINIA, continued. 

Abyssinia, the ancient Ethiopia, is in length about 770 miles; in 
widtli, 550. The number of inhabitants is from four to five mil¬ 
lions, the gre#er part of whom are of Arabian extraction, mixed 
with Jews, Turks, and negroes. The country south and west is 
partly occu])ied by barbarous tribes, the names of which have 
scarcely reached us. 

Abyssinia is a country of mountains intersected by deep and 
extemsive valleys The climate varies with the surface, but in gen¬ 
eral it is temperate and healthy. The soil is productive, where it 



can be cultivated. It abounds in the Avild animals common to Af¬ 
rica, and of birds there is an immense variety. The gOA^ernment 
is despotic and irregular. The Gala, a savage nation, are now in 
possession of Gondar, the capital, with the adjacent districts. The 
inhabitants are in a barbarous state; many of their customs are 
savage and brutal. The religion consists ol'a collection of traditions, 
doctrines and ceremonies, deri\"ed partly from the JeAvish and 
Christian laith. Tl'he people boast that their country is the Sheba 
3 f the scriptures. It is rich in gold, iron, grain, and fruits. Com¬ 
merce is in the hands of JeAvs, Armenians, and Turks. 

Gondar, according to the report of a native, equals Grand Cairo 
in extent and ])opulation. This, however, is doubtless exaggerated. 
It contains 100 churches, nominally Christian;- it is but meanly 
built, and the houses are chiefly of clay. 

209. Extent of Abyssinia? Niiinlier of inhabitants? AVhat of them? How is the country 
south and west inliabited? Face of the country in Abyssinia? Climate? Soil? Animab? 
Describe the picture ; birds ; govei iiinent. Wliat nation possesses Gondar and the adjacent 
countries? AVhat of the inhabitants of Abyssinia? Customs? Religion? AVhat do the peopte 
boast? In what is the country rich? What of the commerce^ Wfial of Gondar^ 




















NUDIA. 


207 


210. NUBIA. 

Map of Africa. Wliere is Nubia? Boundaries? What two countries in Nubia? What 
of the river Nile, and its branches? Where is Seiinaar? Direction from Tunis? Tripoli? 
Touibuctoo? Boston? Where is Massua? Shandy? Dongola? Suakeua? Moscho? 
Chigg e? 


211. NUBIA, CONTINUED. 

N ubla is an extensive region of mountains and deserts, the boun¬ 
daries of which are vague and uncertain. It is inhabited by numer¬ 
ous tribes of wandering Arabs, each governed by its petty chief. 
From January to April, it is scorched up with insupportable heat. 
The burning sands render travelling impracticable, except by night. 



The traveller often finds no water to allay his thirst, for the mur¬ 
derous Arabs lie in ambush near the few springs the country con¬ 
tains. On the banks of the Nile, a high degree of fertility rewards 
the labors of those who cultivate the soil. The southern parts are 
watered by several rivers, and wear a fertile aspect. 

The country now called Sennaar was the central seat of the 
empire of ancient Ethiopia, and still contains many vestiges of anti¬ 
quity. The government is despotic; the religion Mahometan, tinged 
with some pagan and Christian rites. The city of Sennaar is the 
capital. It is a commercial place, surrounded by a narrow district 
of great fertility. In this city is the palace of the king, the magnifi¬ 
cence of which announces a great sovereign for this country. 

Dongola is a kingdom of which we have little recent information. 
The ca})ital is a city of the same name. It is a rich and commer¬ 
cial place. The palace of the king, like that of ail the sovereigns of 
Africa, is a vast cottage. The inhabitants export slaves, gold dust, 

211. What of Nubia? How is it inhabited? Climate from January to April? What of 
(he burning sands? Travellers? Describe the picture. What of the hanks of the Nile? 
Southern parts of the country? What of Sennaar? Government? Religion? City of Sen¬ 
naar? Palace of the king? What of Dongola? Capital' Wliat is the palace ot the king? 
do tile mliaUtauU o/ Dongola exporu' 


/ 



















208 


EGYPT. 


ivory, and ostrich feathers. Persons of rank here go bare-headed. 
The religion is Mahometan. The people are extremely ignorant 
and dissolute. 

On the borders of Egypt in Nubia, along the banks of the Nile, 
there are numerous monuments of ancient art, such as temples, 
obelisks, and statues. Some of these monuments are Egyptian, 
and others Grecian; and are incontestable evidences that these re¬ 
gions were inhabited, ages since, by a people of astonishing taste, 
skill and power. 

212. EGYPT. 

Map of Afnca. Where is Eciypt? Boundaries^ In what direction from New England? 
From where you are? What of the Nile? What is the ca])ital? W'here is Cairo? Direc¬ 
tion from Goudar? Sierra Leone? Tombiictoo? Cape Town? Boston^ Fromyou^ Where 
is Alexandria? Thebes* Rosetta? Siout? Cosseir’ 

213. EGYPT, CONTINUED. 

Having passed around the maritime borders of Africa, and visit¬ 
ed the numerous tribes that dwell along its coasts, we arrive at 
Egypt. If we could enjoy the privilege of visiting this renowned 
land, we should see evidences on every hand of its ancient power 
and grandeur. We should also discover that oppression, misery, 
distrust, and discord, hold possession of a country so well fitted to 
be(;ome the abode of happiness and prosperity. 

Egyjit is divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower. Upper E’gypt 
includes the southern portion bordering on Nubia. Lower Egypt 
embraces a small tract on the Mediterranean sea. Middle Egypt 
lies between the two. The Nile, in passing through Upper and 
Middle Egypt, for a distance of about 500 miles, flows between two 
parallel ranges of mountains, affording a valley of 15 to 25 miles in 
width. The Nile enters the Mediterranean by two princijial mouths. 
The regions east and west of the mountains which enclose the 
Nile, consist of deserts. The climate of Egypt is excessively hot, 
and the country is never visited by rain; thunder and lightning are 
unknown. The simoom, a terrible wind, sometimes comes from 
the desert, and, on account of its heat and dryness, threatens the 
extinction of animal life. The plague is also generated here, and 
spreads its ravages into various other countries. The soil is in the 
highest degree prolific in Lower Egypt where it is inundated hy 
the Nile. In Upper Egypt the land is watered from the Nile, by 
artificial streams distributed over its surface. The productions are 
various kinds of grain, and fruits in great abundance and perfection. 


What of persons of rank? Religion? People? What may be seen on the borders of 
Egypt in Nubia? What do these inoniirnents prove? 

213. What should we see on visiting Egypt? What should we discover? How is Egypt 
divided? What does Upper Egypt incrude? Lower Egypt? Middle Egypt? Between 
what does the Nile flow? How enter the Mediterranean? Regions east and west of the 
mountains? Climate? Rain? Thunder and Lightning? Describe the simoom. What of 
^ plague? Soil in Lower Eg^'pti Upper Egypt? Produclkmi? 



EGYPT 


209 



Eg-ypt abounds in the most remarkable antiquities. The pyra- 
mid.s are ])erhaps the most astonishing monuments of human labor. 
That of Cheops, which is the largest, is 499 feet high, with a 
square base of 693 feet extent, consisting chiefly of a solid mass of 
masonry. There are extensive catacombs existing in various 
places, from which mummies, or embalmed bodies, are obtained; 
some of these were deposited 3 or 4000 years ago. At Thebes, in 
Upper Egypt, are remains, which are calculated to fill the beholder 
with astonishment. Almost the whole extent of eight miles along 
the river, is covered with magnificent portals, obelisks decorated 
with scmpture, forests of columns, and long avenues of colossal 
statues. One of the temples is a mile and a half in circumference. 
It has 12 principal entrances; the body of the temple consists of a 
prodigious hall or portico; the roof is supported by 134 columns. 
Four beautiful obelisks mark the entrance to the shrine, a place of 
sacrifice, which contains three apartments built entirely of granite. 
The temple of Luxor probably surpasses in beauty and splendor all 
the other ruins of Egypt. In front are two of the finest obelisks 
in the world; they are of rose-colored marble, 100 feet in height. 
But the objects which most attract attention, are the sculptures, 
which cover the whole of the northern front. They contain, on a 
great scale, a representation of a victory gained by one of the an¬ 
cient kings of Egypt, over his Asiatic enemies. The number of 
human figures introduced amounts to 1,500; 500 on foot, and 1,000 
in chariots. Such are some of the remains of a city, which perish¬ 
ed long before the records of authentic history begin. Its story is 
recorded only in the dim lights of poetry and tradition, which might 

Dfscribe (he picture. Iii what does Egypt abound.^ What ol’ the pyrauiidsi*^ Extent of 
the largcsl.^ What are obtained from the Catacomijsi* Remains at Thebes? With what ia 
the count I V alonz the river covered? Describe one of the temples. Temple of Luxor? Re* 
Biarks on TIk.'Iks. 

IS* 














210 


EGYPT 


be suspected of fable, did not these mighty witnesses remain to at¬ 
test their veracity. 

Cairo, in Middle Egypt, is the most populous city in Africa. It 
contains 259,000 inhabitants, and is surrounded by a wall of stone. 
It has three or four beautiful gates, built by the Mamelukes, uniting 
a simple style of architecture with an air of grandeur and magnifi¬ 
cence. The streets are narrow, unpaved, and gloomy, the houses 
having the appearance of so many prisons. The sombre aspect 
of the city is a little relieved by several large irregular squares, and 
many handsome mosques. The number of the latter is said to be 
SOO. 

Alexandria, in Lower Egypt, is built on a low sandy strip of land, 
formed by the sea. Its ancient glory is still attested by the exten¬ 
sive ruins by which it is surrounded. It is divided into the old and 
new town; the latter is much the most extensive. An immense 
accumulation of ruins, mostly buried in the sand, Pompey’s pillar, 
Cleopatra’s needles, the cisterns, the catacombs, and columns, some 
entire, and some broken, scattered here and there, are the sad re¬ 
mains of this once rich and splendid city. Pompey’s pillar is a very 
remarkable monument, and 95 feet high. Cleopatra’s needles are 
two obelisks, one thrown down and the other standing; 58 1-2 feet 
long, and seven feet broad, on each side, at the base. They are 
composed each of a single block of granite, covered with hiero¬ 
glyphics. The catacombs are very extraordinary monuments. 
Tliey begin at the extremity of the old city, and extend a consid¬ 
erable distance along the coast, forming what was anciently called 
the City of the Dead. They consist of grottoes cut in rocks: each 
one that has been opened has been found to contain three coffins. 
The population of Alexandria is supposed to be 20,000. 

There are several other towns in Egypt of notoriety. Among 
them are Damietta and Rosetta. Egypt is subject to Turkey, and 
is governed by a pacha in the name of the Porte. Tne religion is 
Mahometan. The present pacha seems to possess a degree of in¬ 
telligence and public spirit superior to his predecessors. He has 
introduced many European arts, and the hope may fairly be admit¬ 
ted, that the condition of this miserable country may be essentially 
improved. 

The present inhabitants of Egypt are Copts and, Arabs, Turks 
and Jews. The former are the original inhabitants of the country, 
profess Christianity, and, being the only persons who can read and 
write, transact the business. The Arabs are of two classes; first, 
the husbandmen and artisans; and second, the Bedouins or Arabs ol* 
the desert, who live in rocks, or sequestered places, where water can 

What of Cairo? Its gates? Streets? Houses? What of the squares and mosciuei? Where 
^Alexandria? How is its ancient glory attested? How is it divided? Remains of the citv? 
Poinpey’i pillar? Cleopatra’s needles? Catacombs? Population of Alexandria? Other 
owns? Government of Egypt? Religion? Present pacha? Inhabitants of Eg) pt? What 
ot the Copts? Arabs? Describe the Bedouins. 



AFRICAN ISLANDS 


211 



be obtained: they sometimes unite in tribes, and live in low, smoky 
tents, which they shift from the desert to the banks of the river, 
and back a^ain, as suits their convenience. These peojile are in 
general robbers, and are terrible to travellers and peaceful husband¬ 
men. The Turks and Jews in Egypt are numerous in the cities. 
The Mamelukes were formerly the ruling people. They consisted 
chiefly of Georgian and Circassian slaves, who became soldiers and 
domineered over the country. They were all horsemen, had a 
very martial ap})earance, and were the most desperate fighters in 
the world. These soldiers have been expelled the country. 

/j ' / 214. AFRICAN ISLANDS. 

' Maff of fried, atfd Map of Atlantic Ocean. Tell where the following islands are situated, 
wijli^eir direction from New York, cape riorn, and Cairo; namely, the Azores ; Madeiras ; 
CaiWries; cape Verd islands; islands of the gulf of Guinea; St. Helena; Ascension; 
St. Matthew’s ; Madagascim; Mauritius; Bourbon; Comoro isles ; and Socotra. 

215. AFRICAN ISLANDS, continued. 

The islands which surround Africa, and are usually classed with 
it, are the Azores or Western Isles, Madeiras, Canaries, Cape Verd 
islands, islands of the gulf of Guinea, St. Helena, Ascension, St. 
Matthew’s, on the west; Madagascar, Mauritius, Bourbon, Como¬ 
ro isles, and Socotra on the east, with some others of less note. 
These islands are, the greater part of them, in the possession of va¬ 
rious European powers. 


The Azores, sometimes called the Western Islands, are situated 
in the Atlantic ocean, at from 900 to 1300 miles from the coast of 
Portugal, to which country they belong. The most important of 
the Azores are St. Michael, Fayal, and Terceira. The capital of 


Clinracleri’ Wlint of the Mamelukes? What of Turks and Jews? 

215. Wliat are the African islands? Describe the picture. What of the Azores? 












212 


AFRICAN ISLANDS. 


Terceira is Angra; of St. Michael, Ponta Del Gada. The climate 
of these islands is delightful, and the soil in general fertile, abound¬ 
ing in corn, grapes, oranges, lemons, and other fruits. 

The Madeira isles, also belonging to Portugal, consist of a group, 
of which Madeira and Porto Santo are the most important. They 
lie about 400 miles from the coast of Morocco. They enjoy a per¬ 
petual spring, and their climate is truly delightful. The principal 
island, Madeira, is 120 miles in circumference, and contains about 
100,000 inhabitants; its chief town is Funchal. This island is cel¬ 
ebrated for its wine, which is exported to all parts of the world. 

The Canary islands, belonging to Spain, consist of a considerable 
group, about 150 miles west of Morocco. Their chief products are 
wheat, barley, sugar-cane, wines, fruits and silk. Hence come the 
beautiful birds called Canary birds. These islands are 13 in num¬ 
ber, but only seven of them are inhabited; namely, Palma, Ferro, 
Gomera, Teneriffe, Canary, Forteventura, and Lancerota. The 
most remarkable island is Teneriffe, famous for its lofty peak, or 
mountain, which is visible at a vast distance. It is covered with 
snow a great part of the year, and is 12,500 feet m neight. This 
island is volcanic, and subject to earthquakes, and in 1704 an earth¬ 
quake destroyed several towns and many thousands of the inhabit¬ 
ants. The capital of the Canaries is Palma, in the island properly 
called Canary. The inhabitants of the whole amount to about 
160,000, of whom nearly half reside in Teneriffe. 

The cape Verd islands, belonging to Portugal, are about 16 in 
number, but some of them are barren rocks, and unworthy of notice. 
They lie 390 miles west of cape Verd. The chief island is St. 
Jago, which is about 160 miles in circumference. They are noted 
for their trade in salt; hence they are denominated by the Dutch, 
the Salt islands. Their climate is hot and unhealthy. Porto Praya 
is the chief town. 

The islands in the gulf of Guinea consist of Fernando Po, Prince’s 
island, St. Thomas, and Annabon. The three latter are claimed 
by Portugal, which has settlements upon them. Of Fernando Po, 
the sovereignty remains with its native chiefs. The people are 
rude, but hospitable. The new British settlement named Clarence 
is on the north side of this island, which abounds in rich tropical 
productions. 

St. Helena is 1200 miles from Africa, and about 1800 from South 
America. It is 10 miles long and 7 broad, and presents to the sea, 
throughout its whole extent, nothing but an immense wall of per¬ 
pendicular rock, from 600 to 1200 feet in height, seeming like a castle 
in the midst of the ocean. It was selected by the conquerors of 
Napoleon Bonaparte for his place of imprisonment, and here, in 
1821, that remarkable individual died. It is also frequently resorted 
to as a place of refreshment, by ships returning from India. 

The Madeira isles? What of the Canary islands? Desrriiie TenerilTc. What of the 
cape Verd islamU? What of the islands iu llie gull of Ouiiiaa? What of bl. Helena? 






AFRICAN ISLANDS 


213 


Ascension is a small island, situated to the northwest of St. He¬ 
lena. Tt is entirely barren, and uninhabited, hut is frequented by 
home-bound ships on account of its excellent harbor, and the fish, 
sea fowl, and turtle which it affords. St. Matthew’s lies north of 
Ascension island, nearly under the equator. 

Madagascar is the third island in size on the globe. Its length is 
900 miles, and its width 240; it is nearly twice as extensive as the 
whole of Great Britain and Ireland. Few islands are more pleasant 
and fertile than Madagascar. It is diversified with a pleasing varietv 
of mountains, hills, valleys, woods and open plains, watered by nu¬ 
merous rivers 3 and the air is rendered cool and healthy by constant 
breezes from the sea. Its population is estimated at 4,000,000. It 
is divided into several kingdoms, and is inhabited by people of dif¬ 
ferent complexions. Some of them are nearly white, some tawny, 
and some black. Those of a light, and those of a tawny complexion 
are descended from the Arabs. Many of them are Mahometans, 
and the remainder, pagans; but they have neither mosques nor 
temples, and entertain a very imperfect notion of the religions they 
profess. 

The French placed a colony here in 1642, but the natives drove 
them out in 1657, and have ever since retained the sole possession. 
Nearly all the tropical vegetables grow here spontaneously, or may 
be successfully cultivated. It abounds in corn, cattle, fowl, fruits, 
precious stones, iron, copper and tin. 

Mauritius, or the Isle of France, now belonging to Great Britain, 
is a considerable island of the Indian ocean, lying 560 miles east of 
Madagascar. It is about 350 miles in circumference. Its capital is 
Port Louis. The general object of cultivation is indigo, of which 
four or five crops are produced in a year. The air of this island is 
salubrious, but the soil is not very fertile, and it is much annoyed 
by hurricanes. It has an excellent harbor, which renders it impor¬ 
tant as a place of call on the voyage to India, and as a station for 
I)rivateers and cruisers in time of war. It is well fortified, and car¬ 
ries on considerable trade. 

Bourbon, belonging to France, is about 60 miles in length and 45 
in breadth, and lies about 400 miles east of Madagascar. It is very 
fertile, and is })articularly noted for its excellent cotfee and tobacco. 

The Comoro islands form a considerable cluster in the channel 
of Mozambique, about midway between Madagascar and the conti¬ 
nent of Africa. The chief island is Joanna, which affords plenty 
of ])rovisions, and such fruits as are common to the torrid zone; 
hence it is usual for the East Indian shij)s bound for Bombay, to put 
in here fi)r refreshments. The inhabitants are a kind of negroes, 
of the Mahometan faith, and entertain seamen with hospitality. 

What of Ascension islaii'l? Length of Madagascar? Width? Extent? tace of the 
foiinirv'' Po|)iilation? Iidiahitants? History? What of Mauritius? Describe the island of 
Bourbon. What of the Comoro islands^ 



214 


AFRICA. GENERAL VIEW. 


The island of Socotra is fertile, populous, and of considerable 
extent. The inhabitants, Avho came originally from Arabia, are 
Mahometans. 


216. AFRICA. General View. 

Mnp of Afnca^ and Map of Atlantic Ocean. How is Africa bounded? Which is the 
most northern part of Africa? The most eastern? Soutliern? Western? What lakes in 
Africa? Where is lake Tchad? Deiubea? Maravi? What islands near the western coast of 
Africa? In what direction arc tlie Azores from where you are? The Canaries? Cape Verd 
islands? St. Matthew’s? Ascension? St. Helena? Which is the most southern of these 
I'slands? The most northern? Theimost western? The most eastern? What islands on the 
eastern coast of Africa? Which is the largest? In which direction is Madagascar from cape 
Verd? Cape of Good Hope? From Boston? Fioru you? Cape St. Roque? From Eng¬ 
land? 

What capes on tlie northern coast of Africa? Eastern? Southern? Western? Where is 
cape Amhra? (’ape St. Mary? What deserts in Africa? W'here are the Atlas mountains.* 
In what direction do they lie? W’here are the mountains of the Moon? Their direction? 
Where are the Kong mountains? W'here are the Lupala mountains? Their direction? 
W'hat river empties into the Mediterranean? What rivers flow into the Indian ocean? Into 
the Atlantic? Describe the Nile; Zambese; Yellow; Orange; Goanza; Congo, or 
Zaire; Formosa; Mesurado; Grande; Gambia; Senegal. 

What countries along the northern coast of Africa? Along the eastern coast? The south¬ 
ern? The western? What countries in the central parts of Africa? In what dnection is 
Tunis from Cairo? Tripoli from Cairo? Algiers? Morocco? Sackatoo^ Mourzouk? 
Fez? Tombuctoo? Cape Town? Sofala? Gondar? Mozambique? St. Salvador? 
Cobbe? 


217. AFRICA. General View continued. 

Though Africa has been known for 3,000 years, yet a large por¬ 
tion of its geography is to this day involved in doubt and mystery. 
It was from the African shores that the Egyptian colonies, in the 
most remote ages, brought to Europe, then inhabited by savage 
nations, the first germs of civilisation. At the present day, Africa 
is the latest portion of the world to permit its territories to be ex¬ 
plored, and to receive from enlightened nations a knowledge of the 
arts of civilized life. 

The cause of our ignorance in respect to Africa, and particularly 
its interior, may be found in its form. It is a vast peninsula, 5,000 
miles in length, and 4,600 in breadth, and contains 13,000,000 square 
miles, an extent about four times as great as that of Europe. Yet 
Africa has few long or navigable rivers, and no gulfs or inlets, 
which open a way into its immense internal regions. America, Asia, 
and Europe, by means of their great rivers, their seas, bays, and 
gulfs, may be penetrated with ease and safety; but Africa can only 
be traversed by land; and, its borders being occupied, for the most 
part, by savage and hostile tribes, and ferocious wild beasts, it is 
inaccessible to the researches of travellers, and remains to this day, 
throughout a great part of its interior, utterly unknown. 

The outline of this country is marked by four great promontories: 
Cape Serra, in the north, projects into the Mediterranean; cape 

W'hat of tlie island of Socotra? 

217. Whv is the world so ignorant of the geography ol Africa^ What is Africa?' Length^ 
Breadth? Extent? Four great promontories in Africa'* 



AFRICA. GENERAL VIEW 215 

Vertl points due west into the Atlantic; cape Guardafui points 
tow.yds the rising sun; the cape of Good Hope makes a long ex¬ 
cursion toward the Southern ocean. On three remarkable points, 
I Africa comes close up to the rest of the old continent. In the north¬ 
west, the narrow strait of Gibraltar divides it from Europe; in the 
east, Arabia is separated from it by the strait of Babelmandel; in 
the northeast, the low sandy isthmus of Suez connects it with Asia. 

In some parts excessively parched, in others marshy, or flooded, 
the surface of Africa presents strange irregularities. The vast 
plains, which occupy the greater part of its extent, are covered 
with sand and gravel with a mixture of sea shells, and seem like 
j the basins of seas That have evaporated and left them dry. Such 
I is the famous Desert of Sahara, where'the sands, moving like the 
i surges of the ocean, are said to have swallowed up entire tribes. 
Amid the deserts, there are springs, which burst forth and create 
spots of verdure, called Oases. Surrounded by the level sands, 
these seem like islands in the sea. They are fancifully described 
by an ancient writer, as marking the desert as the spots of the 
leopard mark the skin of that animal. Other plains in this country, 
of a marshy nature, and filled with stagnant lakes, emit effluvia the 
most destructive to human life, or breed disgusting reptiles and for¬ 
midable animals of large size. 

The mountains of Africa are more distinguished for their breadth, 
than their height. The chain of mount Atlas, on the north, run¬ 
ning through the Barbary states, extends more than half across 
the continent. This chain divides the country, which lies between 
the Desert of Sahara and the Mediterranean sea, into two nearly 
equal portions. That portion which lies to the north of these 
•mountains, from 50 to 200 miles in width, is exceedingly fertile, 
and fu’ms the cultivated part of the Barbary states. Between 
these mountains and the desert on the south, the country is dry 
and sandy, but is said to produce dates in such abundance as to be 
called “ the country of Dates,” in the language of the inhabitants. 
That part of this range of mountains which forms the eastern 
t ooundary of Morocco, is by far the highest, and reaches an eleva- 
I tion of more than 13,000 feet, and, though in the latitude of Geor- 
I gia, the peaks are covered with perpetual snow. This range of 
mountains, inhabited principally by the Berbers, is intersected by 
deep, but fertile valleys, filled with villages and gardens, and m 
winter, when New England is buried in snow, these are clothed 
with the most beautiful verdure. The rivers which flow from 
these mountains, though small, are numerous; those which descend 
the northern declivity empty into the Mediterranean; thdse on the 
south are lost in the sands of the desert. 


At wliiit Inree poinU tlocs Africa <c<>tne up to the ea.itern continent? What of the surface 
of Africa' What of the mountains of Africa' Describe the Atlas chain. What of the 
Kong niounidini' Mountains of the Moon' 








216 


AFRICA. GENERAL VIEW. 


The central mountains of Africa are the mountains of tKe Moon 
on the east, and the Kong mountains on the west. The former 
give rise to the Nile and other rivers. Amid the latter are the 
sources of the Senegal, the Gambia, and the Niger. 

Along the borders of the Red sea is the Troglodytic chain of 
mountains, resembling Atlas in its wild and broken cliffs. Fliese, 
though very imposing to the eye of the traveller, are of very 
moderate elevation. They terminate in Abyssinia, and are suppos¬ 
ed to connect the northern or Atlas range with the central ranges 
of Africa. The Lupata chain, of which but little is known, extends 
from cape Guardafui to the cape of Good Hope, where it tenni- 
nates in high barren plains and steep mountains ^vith flat summits, 
one of which has received the significant name of Table mountain. 
Between the Kong mountains and the cape of Good Hope, there 
are some elevations, but the country is little known, excej)t along 
the margin of the Atlantic, and no considerable ranges of moun¬ 
tains appear yet to have been discovered. 

Africa contains a great number of rivers which never reach the 
sea. Some of them are considerable, and the Niger was long sup¬ 
posed to be one of these, but it has been recently ascertained that 
it empties into the Atlantic ocean in the bay of Benin. 

Besides the Niger and the Nile, the other principal rivers of Af¬ 
rica are the Senegal, Gambia, Grande, Congo, or Zaire, Coanza, 
Orange, all of which flow into the Atlantic, and the Kiska, Sofala, 
and Cuama, which flow into the Indian ocean. One of the pe¬ 
culiar characteristics of the rivers of Africa is the periodical swell¬ 
ings, by which they overflow the countries through which they pass, 
and particularly those round their mouths. These risings regularly 
take place every season, and are remarkable for the great body of 
water which they bring down, and the quantity of mud they de¬ 
posit. The rainy season commences in April, and continues till 
September. The heavens, before heated like a flame, now seem 
transformed into fountains of water; the copious floods which they 
pour down, collect on the level table lands of the interior, where they 
form immense sheets of water, or temporary lakes; these lakes soon 
overflow, and suddenly send down into the rivers, j)reviously much 
swollen, an enormous volume of water impregnated with the soft 
earth over wliich it has for sometime stagnated. 

The character of high fertility has long been attached to a large 
portion of the Barbary states; it is equally certain that in other 
parts of Africa, vegetation displays great vigor and magnificence. 
The inhabitants find abundant food at a very trifling expense ol’ la¬ 
bor. The corn-stalks bend under their load of ears, the vine attains 

What of the Troglodytic chain? What of the Lupata chain? What of the western, holder 
of Africa hetweeii the Kong mountains and the cape of ^ood Hope? What of rivers in Africa? 
Wfiat of the Niger? Wliat of the principal rivers of Africa, beside the Niger and the Nile? 
Wliat is one of the peculiarities of the rivers of Africa? What of the rainy season? Desciiu* 
the etlects of the, rain.s. What of the fertility of ttic soil in Africa? Productions? 

Let the here bt exaiaiiuil in Table JSo, li>, in Iht Atlas 



AFRICA. GENERAL VIEW. 


217 


s. gigantic size, melons and pumpkins acquire enormous bulk; millet 
and holcus, a species of grain wliich is the common food over two- 
thirds of Africa, though badly cultivated, return a crop of two 
hundred fold, and the date-tree, which furnishes an important arti¬ 
cle of food, is able to withstand the fiery winds of the desert. 
The forests of mount Atlas are equal to the finest of Italy and Spain. 
Those of the Cape coast embrace many elegant trees. In the 
whole of I^igritia, Seiiegambia, and Guinea, together with some 
parts of the eastern coast, are to be found the same thick forests as 
in America. On the contrary, where the surface is marshy, arid, or 
sandy, that is, over one-half of Africa, the scanty vegetation con¬ 
sists only of tufts of saline plants, thorny shrubs, and impenetrable 
thickets. 

The animal kingdom presents still greater variety. The African 
lion is the only lion worthy of the name. The elephant and rhi¬ 
noceros, though inferior in size to those of Asia, have more agility, 
and perhajis more ferocity. The unwieldy hippopotamus inhabits 
ihe south; the majestic giraffe roams from the Niger to the Cape; 



tbe zebra, the most beautiful of the asinine race, as well as the 
giraffe, and hippopotamus, is peculiar to Africa. Numerous varieties 
of the antelope inhabit the jilains, and are sometimes seen in flocks 
of ten thousand, around whose skirts the lion is prowling for his 
jirey. Africa abounds in monstrous apes and disgusting baboons. 
The ostrich is found in Africa and Arabia alone. 

218 . AFRICA, General View continued. 

The inhabitants of Africa appear to consist chiefly of three races;, 

Wliat of forests? Wliat of the vegetation of one half of Africa? What of animals in Africa? 
Dtjscribe the ])icture. 

Let the pujiif htrt he examined fn' Tubles No. 17 and in the Atlas 

19- 










218 


AFRICA. GENERAL VIEW. 


‘ first, the Moors, Arabs and Berbers, who, though in some res])ects 
dissimilar, seem to have sprung from the same general stock; second, 
the negroes, who occupy the middle and western portions of Africa, 
south of the Senegal; the third race is that of the Caffres, who 
occupy the eastern coast. There are some others, who appear not 
to belong to either of these, as the Nubians, Abyssinians, Felatahs 
or Foulahs, who have probably sprung from a mixture of Asiatic 
and African nations; and the" Hottentots and some other tribes, 
whose origin is not known. The character of the Moors, as 
sketched in our description of Barbary, is that of the most bigoted, 
cruel, and sanguinary of the human race. Their gloomy and 
morose disposition is strongly impressed on their cities, the narrow 
and dirty streets of which are formed by houses without windows, 
presenting on either side only a ma$s of dead wall. Implacable in 
their hatred towards Christians, and restrained by no principle of 
justice or humanity, they have, in former times, gratified both 
their malice and avarice by their systematic piracy against the ships 
of all Christian nations who refuse to pay them tribute. 

We have before had frequent occasion to mention the Arabs. 
When settled in towns, they generally pass for Moors. The Caf¬ 
fres have also been described as a tall, well formed, muscular race, 
gentle in temper, living partly by agriculture, partly by their flocks, 
and partly by hunting, possessing some traits of cultivation, yet 
marked with many of the brutal customs of the savage state. 

The most numerous people of Africa, and those which seem 
peculiarly identified with the country, are the negroes. The phys¬ 
ical properties of the countries they inhabit perpetuate, in all these 
tribes, that indolent levity and childish carelessness, which seem in¬ 
nate qualities in the negro race. Twenty days’ work in a year are 
sufficient to secure their crops of rice, millet, and other products 
requisite for their frugal fare. Their gross taste is not disgusted 
with the flesh of the elephant, even when full of vermin. They 
feed on the eggs of the crocodile, and on his musky flesh; monkeys 
are generally used for food; roasted dogs even figure as an exquisite 
treat at their feasts. 

Little labor is required for providing their dress; cotton grows 
beneath their feet without culture. This is easily wrought into 
stuffs by their females, who dye them in indigo, which is also spon¬ 
taneously produced. A negro’s cabin costs equally little care; some 
trunks of trees united in the form of a cone, covered with a little 
straw or a few palm leaves, constitute the only building he requii’es. 
The following picture represents a negro village. 


218. What are the three principal races of Africa? What tribes appear not to belong to 
eitlier of these three classes? What is the character of the Moors? What of the Arabs? 
What of the Caffres? What is the most numerous race in Africa? What effect has the soil 
and climate upon this race? How many days’ labor in a year is uecessaiy to secure their 
crops? What of the food of the negroes? What of their dress'’ Houses? What kind of 
life does the negro lead"* Describe the picture. 




ARABIA. 


219 



Such is the negro. Having few wants, and those easily satisfied, 
he lives a life of indolence and gaiety. A remarkable proof of this 
indolence is found in the fact, that he has never tamed the elephant, 
so capable of being rendered useful to man. A stranger to our 
feelings of ambition, he looks on life as a brief interval which he is 
bound to enjoy to the utmost. He waits for sunset to begin the 
giddy dance, which is kept up the whole night, animated by the 
ivory trumpet, and the beating of drums, mingled with the cadence 
of various guitars and harps. 

The religion of the negroes seems to consist in the belief of two 
principles, one of good, and the other of evil. Whatever strikes 
his irregular imagination, becomes his fetish, or the idol of his wor¬ 
ship. He adores, and in difficulties consults, a tree, an egg, a rock, > 
a fish-bone, a date-stone, or a blade of grass. In Whidah, near 
the Slave coast, a serpent is regarded as the god of war, of agricul¬ 
ture, and of fertility. It is fed in a species of temple, and attended 
by an order of priests. Every new king brings rich presents to 
the serpent. In Benin, a lizard is the object of public worship; in 
Dahomey, a leopard. Near cape Mesurado, they worship the lion, 
and some negroes fashion their fetishes into an imitation of the hu¬ 
man frame. 


219. ARABIA. 

Map of Asia. In what part of Asia is Arabia? How is Arabia bounded? Where is mount 
Sinai? In what direction did the children of Israel travel, to go from Egypt to mount Sinai? 
I What sea did they cross? Can you go by land from Egypt to Arabia? What isthmus would 
vou cross? What isthmus unites Asia to Africa? AVhat capes on the southern coast of Ara¬ 
bia? Where is the Persian gulf? Gulf of Ormiis? What ot the river Euphrates? 

What is the capital? Direction of Mecca from Cairo? Algiers? Cape of Gootl Hope? 
Senegainbia? London? St. Petersburg? Rome? Vienna? Boston? From where you 


What remarkable proof of the indolence of the negro? How does the negro regard life? 
What of his amusements? What of the religion of the negroes? What of religion in V\ Indah'^ 
In Benin^ cajie MesurnUo? 













220 


ARABFAi 


are? About how many degrees of longitude between Washington and Mecca^ About how 
many degrees of latituvie between Boston and Mecca? Direction of Mecca from cape Horn? 
Lima? Mexico? Cuba? Greenland? For answers to the sixteen preceding questions^ see 
Map of Atlantic Ocean. Where is Medina? Mocha? Comfidah? Saade? Lohcia? Sana' 
Keshin? Ilasec? Lahsa? Bassora? Helleh? Dai'aie? Yemama? 

220. ARABIA, continued. 

Bidding adieu to Africa, let us embark on the Red sea for Asia. 
This sea, which derives its name from the color of the earth along 
its shores, we shall find to be from 50 to 200 miles in width. We 
shall learn that the navigation of it is dangerous from coral rocks 
that lie beneath its surface. We shall also recollect, that it was 
this sea whose waters were divided at the command of the proph¬ 
et, to give a safe passage for the Jewish nation in their flight from 
Pharaoh and the Egyptian army. 

As we arrive upon the ojiposite shore, let us recollect, that we are 
now in that part of Asia called Arabia; a country often mentioned 
in the Scriptures, and, though 5 or 6,000 miles from our own coun¬ 
try, rendered familiar to us by the early history of the Jewish na¬ 
tion recorded in the five books of Moses. 

Arabia is an extensive country, lying between the Red sea and 
the Persian gulf. It is about 1,400 miles from north to south, and 
1,200 from east to west, and is supposed to contain 10,000,000 
inhabitants. It is divided into Arabia Petraea, or the Stony, on 
the east; Felix, or the Happy, on the west; and Deserta, or the 
Desert, on the north. The borders alone of this great peninsula 
enjoy the advantages of fertility and commerce. 

A considerable portion of this country lies under the torrid zone, 
and the air, in many places, is excessively dry and hot, and some¬ 
times very unhealthy. The winds are sultry and poisonous, and 
frequently prove fatal to those who breathe them. This air, or 
fiery wind, is called by tbe Arabs, Samiel, or Simoom. 

The heat of the climate of Arabia is greatly increased by the na¬ 
ture of the soil, which, for the most part, consists of barren, rocky 
mountains, or sandy deserts of prodigious extent; across these 
there is no path; so that the caravans, in consequence of the exces¬ 
sive heat, being obliged to travel in the night, are generally guided 
by the stars, and sometimes by the compass. These immense 
sands are frequently agitated % sudden winds, when they roll 
along in compact masses, and often bury whole caravans under 
them. 

Arabia Petreea, or the Stony, is so called from the number of 
granite rocks which are scattered over it. This division is of but 
small extent; it borders on the northern part of the Red sea, and 

220. What of the Red sea? How far is Arabia from our country? How has it been ren¬ 
dered familiar to us? Where is Arabia? Extent? Population? How is it divided? What 
of its borders? Where does a considerable portion of Arabia lie? What of the air in many 
places? In the north? What of the Samiel, or Simoom? How is the heat of the climate in 
Arabia increased? Face of the country? How are caravans guided across the desert? What 

at tJi© WM WAP or ftyeMa' Extsfli of 




ARAOIA. 


is that district which lies between Eg-ypt and Palestine, or the Holy 
Land. Arabia Petreea was originally inhabited by the Edomites, 
the descendants of Esau, who gave it the name of Edom. After 
them it was possessed by the Midianites, and the Ishmaelites, descend¬ 
ants of Abraham. In this country are the celebrated mountains 
of Sinai and Horeb, mentioned in the Scriptures. It was from 
mount Sinai, that God was pleased, in an awful manner, to deliver 
to Moses his law to the Israelites, embraced in the ten command¬ 
ments. Sinai is also the name of the desert, or wilderness, which 
lies at the foot of this mountain, and from which it derives its 
name. 

From Sinai may be seen mount Horeb, where Moses kept the 
flocks of Jethro, his father-in-law. On these mountains are many 
chapels and cells possessed by Greek and Latin monks who pretend 
to show the very spots where every miracle or transaction recorded 
in scripture happened. At the foot of mount Horeb, is a beautiful 
plain, about nine miles in length and three in breadth, where the 
Israelites encamped on their journey from Egypt ‘ to the Holy 
Land. 

Arabia Deserta, or the Desert, comprises the whole of the north¬ 
eastern part of Arabia, and is so called from its interior being a 
vast desert of dry and barren sand. In this district was situated 
the land of Uz, mentioned in Scripture as the country of Job. 

Arabia Felix, or the Happy, comprises the southwest part, and 
is noted for the fertility of its soil, and the number of its inhabi¬ 
tants. It abounds also in fragrant spices and rich perfumes, and is 
generally celebrated for its fine fruits, coffee and dates. 

In the description of Africa, we have frequently met with people 
called Arabs. Arabia appears to be the country in which these 
various tribes originated, and whence they have diffused themselves 
over various parts of Africa, as well as Asia. Here, in their own 
native land, they bear the same general characteristics as in countries 
where we have found them before. They are of a middle stature, 
brown complexion, and grave aspect. Those that reside near the 
sea, for the most part, live in cities, towns, and villages, and apply 
themselves to trade, and cultivate the arts and sciences; but the in¬ 
land inhabitants have no settled habitations, move about with their 
flocks and herds, from place to place, in search of water and pasture, 
and, during their stay in any particular place, they live in tents. 
They subsist on the milk of their camels and flocks, and on plunder. 
They consist, for the most part, of different tribes, who divide 
themselves into petty sovereignties, each forming a kind of political 
association. They profess Mahometan^m, but pay little attentio^n 
to their religion. 

-----—--- ji 

Original inhabitants? Mountains? Sinai? Horeb? What of monks? What plain at the 
foot of Horeb? Describe Arabia Deserta. Where was the land of Uz? What of Arabia 
Felix? Where did the Arabs originate? Describe the Arabs of Arabia. How do they liv^e? 
Of what do they consist? What of their religion.’ 

19 * 






222 . ARABIA. 

This celebrated people are supposed to be the descendants of 
Ishniael, and their character in all ages seems to have been a 
remarkable fulfilment of the prophecy of the angel recorded in 
Genesis: “ He will be a wild man; his hand will be against every 
man, and every man’s hand against him.” At an early period, 
colonies from this country settled in various parts of Africa and Asia. 
In the time of Mahomet, this people bore the name of Saracens. 
They embraced the doctrines of that great imposter, and, led by 
him and his successors, in the seventh century, overturned the 
religion and government of a great part of Asia, passed into Europe, 
and became masters of some of its finest portions. Under the name 
of Saracens, they became formidable to the most powerful kin]gdoms 
of Europe. Carrying the sword in one hand, and the Koran in the 
other, they offered no choice, but death or submission to its doc¬ 
trines. Propagated in this way, and sustained by the energy of 
several Saracen sultans, Mahometanism was established throughout 
a great part of Asia, and a considerable portion of Africa and Eu¬ 
rope. At a subsequent period, the Saracens were themselves over¬ 
powered, and the sovereignty passing into the hands of the Turks, 
they have little other territory than the deserts, and no other name 
than that of Arab. 

The Arabs of the present day are described as a brave peoptcy 
excellent horsemen, very swift of foot, expert with the bow and 
arrow, and with their fire-arms very superior marksmen. Among 
themselves, and towards such strangers as they receive as friends,, 
they are honest, civil, and humane, but their general character is 
that of robbers. 

Among the domestic animals of Arabia, the first place must be 
assigned to the horse, of which it possesses the noblest breed in the 
world. Those which are held in the highest esteem, are chiefly 
bred by the Bedouins or wandering Arabs of the deserts. They 
are brought up in the tents, like the children of the family, fondly 
caressed and carefully tended, and constitute the most valued prop¬ 
erty of their owners. They are not large, but possess in a superior 
degree the qualities of swiftness, perseverance, and docility. On 
the next page is a picture of an Arab and his horse. 

But the most useful animal to the Arabs is the camel, which is 
peculiarly adapted to the soil and climate. Formed by nature, 
beyond any other quadruped, to endure the extremities of heat and 
thirst, and to support life at little expense, it holds its steady course,, 
day after day, over the sandy wilderness, submitting patiently to 
its burden, and contenting itself with occasionally browsing the 
prickly, half-withered plants grooving by the way side. It is also 
so constituted that it is able to go without drinking for six or eight 

From whom are the Arabs descended.^ What scripture prophecy is fulhlied by them^ 
What was th^ name of the Arabs in the time of Mahomet.’’ What is the history of the Sara¬ 
cens.^ How are the Arabs oh the present day described^ What of the Arabian horses* 
Describe the picture. What of the camel? 




ARABIA. 





days. This animal will easily carry 800 pounds burden upon its- 
back, which is never taken off during- the longest journeys. It 
kneels down to rest, and in due time rises again with its load. 

Mecca, the capital of Arabia, is'situated in a dry, barren, and 
I rocky country, in a narrow valley enclosed by mountains. Ma- 
' hornet was born in the year 571. At the age of 40, he pretended 
to be a prophet from God, and declared that he was commissioned 
to reveal a new religion to mankind. At first he had little success, 
and at one time was obliged to fly for safety. But at length he ob¬ 
tained some followers, and made war upon those who refused to 
receive him as the prophet of God. Success attended his arms, and 
a considerable portion of Arabia was soon forced to accept his 
religion, and bow to his dominion. At the age of 62, he died, and 
was succeeded by Abubekir, his father-in-law. The sceptre soon 
came into the hands of the caliphs, and for several successive reigns, 
the throne was filled by men of superior talents, who, following up 
what had been so successfully begun, established a religion origi¬ 
nated for the mere purposes of ambition, by a designing and un¬ 
principled man, which has at this day more believers than the 
divine gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I Mecca, according to the Mahometans, contains the three holiest 
[ things in the world—the well Zem-zem, which is believed by them 
! to be the identical spring which gushed forth in the wilderness for 
the relief of Hagar and Ishmael, and at the present day is supposed 
to possess marvellous efficacy in giving health to the sick, strength 
to the memory, and in purifying from the effects of sin; the Caaba, 
or house of God, commonly called the Temple of Mecca; and the 
Black stone, which is placed in the centre of the temple. This 
temple has been often represented as very magnificent; it seems. 


Wlial of Mecca? Mahomet? Who succeeded him? What of the Caliphs? What does. 
Mecca contain'* Wliat of the well Zem-zem? Caaba? Black stone? 







224 


TURKEY 


however, to possess no claims to the extraordinar}’’ praises bestowed 
upon it. It is an uncovered open square, surrounded with colon¬ 
nades, and adorned with minarets or pointed spires. The Mahom¬ 
etans pretend that this temple was built by Abraham, and that the 
stones (of which every mountain in the world furnished some,) 
came ready fitted for the place they now occupy. The Black 
stone, the principal wonder of the place, they say, was brought 
from heaven by the angel Gabriel. By the Koran, every Mahom¬ 
etan is required to visit Mecca, either in person or by proxy, once 
during his life. This brings to Mecca a great number of pilgrims, 
from which the city derives its chief importance. The ceremony of 
the pilgrims at the temple consists in passing seven times around it, 
kissing each time the sacred stone. Mecca once contained 100,000 
inhabitants, and was resorted to by many thousands of pilgrims 
from the remotest parts of Asia and Africa; but, from the decline 
of religious zeal, the number who visit the holy city has greatly 
diminished, and it does not now contain over 20,000 inhabitants. 

Medina is regarded by the Mahometans as sacred, from its con¬ 
taining the tomb of Mahomet. It stands on a fertile spot, in a 
mountainous desert, and is surrounded by a slight wall. Most of 
the houses are poorly built, and the place is of no importance, except 
from its containing the sepulchre of the prophet. This sepulchre 
is held in high veneration by Mahometans, yet its visitation is not 
considered necessary, or highly meritorious; and Medina is much 
less visited by pilgrims than Mecca. Neither the tomb, nor the 
mosque in which it is enclosed, is distinguished by any great mag¬ 
nificence, but is remarkable for an immense treasure of pearls, pre¬ 
cious stones, &c., accumulated for ages by the contributions of rich 
Mahometans. 

Mocha, situated at the entrance of the Red sea, is a large, rich, 
and populous city and seaport. Its chief commerce is with the 
English, and it is noted for its trade in coffee, aloes, frankincense, 
and myrrh. This town gives its name to the finest coffee. Muskat 
and Sucy, are places of considerable commerce. 

221. TURKEY IN ASIA. 

Maps of Asia and Europe, Direction of Turkey in Asia from Arabia? Boundaries? 
Wliat of the Euphrates river? Tigris? Dead sea? Where is Damascus? Jerusalem? 
Smyrna? Diarbekir? Bagdad? Angora? Trebisond? Where is Lemnos? Scio? Samos^ 
Rhodes? Cyprus? 

222. TURKEY IN ASIA, continued. 

That part of Turkey in Asia which lies between the Mediterra¬ 
nean and Black seas, formerly called Asia Minor, is now called 
Anatolia. That part which lies between Arabia and the Medi- 


Whal is required by the Koran? What is the ceremony at the temple? Population of Mecca? 
What of Medina? Mocha? Muskat? Sucy? 

222. What of Turkey in Asia? 



TURKEY 


225 


I 

I berranean, is called Syria, and includes Palestine. Armenia is in 
j the northeast, and the ancient Mesopotamia in the southeast, 
i There are various modern names given to these countries, but those 
i by which they are best known are the preceding. Anatolia and 
. Syria are greatly diversified with hills, mountains and plains. Much 
I of the country on the Euphrates and Tigris is level; on the south, 

1 bordering on Arabia, are vast sandy deserts. 

! The climate of this country has always been considered as one of 
( the most delicious on the globe, particularly in Asia Minor and 
j Syria; and the soil in general is rich and fertile; but, from the in- 
1 dolence of the inhabitants, a great portion of it is a mere wilder- 
! ness. The country is sometimes desolated by locusts, which descend 
' in clouds, and so completely destroy the crops as to produce a fam¬ 



ine. The productions are wheat, barley, cotton, tobacco, olives, 
wine, and silk. The most noted manufactures are carjiets and leath- 
icr. The population is 11,000,000; the extent of the‘country is 
! about equal to one-fourth of the whole territory of the United 
i States. 

The inhabitants are about half Turks; the other half are an as¬ 
semblage of various nations, embracing Arabs, Greeks, Jews, Kurds, 
Armenians, Druses, and Turcomans. The Turks are the govern¬ 
ing people. The Kurds are a barbarous and wandering race of bold 
and daring robbers, who inhabit the eastern parts of Turkey in Asia, 
and the adjacent districts of Persia. The Armenians are a distinct 
people, inhabiting the northeast parts of Turkey in Asia, and the 
adjacent districts in Persia. They form the chief class of traders 
in the Persian empire, and are found scattered in almost all the prin¬ 
cipal cities of Asia. They are engaged in the most extensive com¬ 
mercial undertakings, and bear a high character for integrity in 

Climste? Soil? Locusts? Describe the picture. Productions? Manufactmes? Fopu. 

E^teiiti iuhobitauLt oi,Turkev in Aiita. 












226 


TURKEY 

/ 

their dealings. They possess a peculiar rehj^ion, at the basis of 
which is Christianity. The Druses are a Avarlike race of people, 
inhabiting the mountains in Syria, and pay a small tribute to the 
sultan. 

This country is subject to the dominion of the sultan of Turkey 
in Europe. It is divided into 17 pachalics, each pachalic being un¬ 
der the supervision of a pacha, or governor, appointed by the Sul¬ 
tan. Some of these pachas have rendered themselves rich and 
powerful, and only acknowledge a nominal subjection to the sove¬ 
reign. There are also various parts of the country in which the 
Turkish dominion is either entirely thrown off, or but partially 
recognised. The government is feeble, capricious, and cruel. All 
the Wessings of civilisation, all the charms of social life, have disap¬ 
peared und^er the desolating influence of despotism. The monu¬ 
ments are in ruins, the villages are abandoned, a great part of the 
country is given up to robbers, while the towns are filled with a 
vicious, degraded, and oppressed populace. 

Such is the present condition of one of the most renowned por¬ 
tions of the globe; a country that has Avitnessed some of the most 
astonishing events recorded in history. Here is the land of Judea, 
in which David and Solomon reigned; here is Jerusalem, Avhose 
streets were often trodden by the footsteps of Jesus Christ; here is 
Calvary, on which our Saviour Avas crucified. Here too, at a still 
earlier date, flourished the mighty empire of Assyria, and the cities 
of Babylon and Nineveh; and in later times this region has consti¬ 
tuted one of the fairest portions of the Roman empire. 

Diarbekir, or Diarbeck, is a large city, situated on the Tigris, has 
extensive manufactures, and 50,000 inhabitants. Aleppo is cele¬ 
brated for its manufactures of silk and cotton, and, by means of 
caravans from Bagdat and Bassora, is rendered a mart for the coun¬ 
tries ol' Persia and India. Damascus, in Syria, is estimated to con¬ 
tain 150,000 inhabitants. Its former celebrity for works in steel, 
j)articularly sword-blades, is lost, but it flourishes by its excellent 
manufactures of silk, cotton, and soap. The commerce of this city 
is carried on by caravans, the most considerable of Avhich are to 
Bagdat, Aleppo, and Mecca. Smyrna, a large and populous* city 
on the Avestern coast of Natolia, in Asia Minor, is a noted port on 
the Levant, and the common rendezvous of merchants from all 
})arts of the Avorld. The trade of the United States with Turkey 
is chiefly carried on through this port. Here the vessels obtain 
carpets, opium, rags lor paper, and various other articles. 

Prusa, the ancient Bursa, is one of the most agreeable and well- 
built cities of Asia Minor, and was formerly a favorite residence of 
the sultans. It is romantically situated at the foot of Mount Olym- 


What of pachalics? Pachas? Government? Influence of despotism? What events have 
taken place iu Turkey ia Asia? What of Piarbeck? Aleppo? Pamascus? Smyrna? 
Prusa? , 



TURKEY. 


227 


pus. Angora, noted for its breed of goats, is rendered populous by 
its manufacture of stuffs. These goats are a peculiar breed, and are 
found in no other country. Bassora is a noted city, between the 
junction of the Euphrates and Tigris, and the Persian gulf. It is 
greatly celebrated for its commerce, which is very extensive, it be¬ 
ing the grand emporium of Indian, Persian, and Arabian produc¬ 
tions, which are forwarded by caravans into all parts of the Turkish 
1 empire. 

Bagdat, on the Tigris, once the celebrated and splendid seat of 
the Saracen caliphs, is now reduced to a small town, containing 
about 80,000 inhabitants. Near this place are the obscure relics of 
a much greater city, the ancient Babylon. The sepulchre of the 
prophet Ezekiel is said to stand near Bagdat. This city is noted as 
a continual resort for a great number of passengers, travelling from 
Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, into the interior of Asia. 
Ephesus, anciently one of the most splendid cities of Asia Minor, 
and celebrated for containing the temple of Diana, and for an epis¬ 
tle of St. Paul to the Ephesians, is noAV a poor and miserable 
Turkish village, with few inhabitants. 

Jerusalem, the famed capital of the Jewish nation, and so long 
the object of contention between the Christian and Mahometan 
powers, is now a mean town, in a sterile district, subsisting only by 
that veneration in which it is held by Jews, Christians, and Ma¬ 
hometans, and which still procures it the visit of many pious 
pilgrims. Tyre and Sidon, formerly so distinguished by their 
grandeur and opulence, are almost entirely decayed; but the latter, 
having a good harbor, still carries on a trifling trade. Tyre, now 
called Tur, is only inhabited by a few fishermen, who live in its 
ruins. 

Troy, once a famous city in Asia Minor, anciently called Troja, 
or Ilium, cannot now be discovered by the smallest vestige, and the 
place where it stood is only known by its being opposite to the isle 
of Tenedos. Mosul, on the Tigris, is a place of great t/ade, and 
is noted for its manufactures of morocco and cotton. From the 
cotton fabric made at this place, comes the French word mousselinej 
and the English word muslin. 

In Asiatic Turkey stood the beautiful city of Palmyra, where 
queen Zenobia was taken captive by the emperor Aurelian, and led 
in triumph through Rome. The city was entirely destroyed. The 
I stupendous ruins of this place are justly the subjects of admiration. 
The city was originally built by Solomon, and was called Tadmor. 
It was ten miles in circumference, and was situated in Syria. It 
I was at that time the capital of an extensive kingdom; but, from a 
number of causes, this once fertile country is changed into barren 
deserts; and Palmyra, then the emporium of the eastern world, is 


Angora? Bassora'’ Bagdat'’ Babylon^* Ephesus^ Jerusalem'’ 
Troy^ MosulDescribe Palmyra. 


Tyre and Sidou^ 





228 


CAUCASIAN COUNTRIES. 


now the abode of wild Arabs, who either reside among the rums, 
or in miserable huts which they have erected near them. 

Balbec, the ancient Heliopolis, is also greatly celebrated for its 
remains of ancient architecture, which by many are considered su¬ 
perior to those of Palmyra. Balbec is situated in Syria, about 40 
miles southwest of Damascus, and was styled by the Greeks, Heli¬ 
opolis, or the city of the sun, from its magnificence. The present 
town, if it can be so denominated, is of small extent, poorly built, 
and meanly inhabited. 

223. CAUCASIAN COUNTRIES. 

Map of Asia. Where are the Caucasian countries? In what part is Georgia? Circassia? 
What mountains traverse this country from east to west? Boundaries of Caucasus? What is 
the capital? Where is Teflis? Direction from Constantinople? Damascus? Mecca? Alep¬ 
po? Boston? From where you are? Where is Derbent? Bakou? Erivan? 

224. CAUCASIAN COUNTRIES, continued. 

These countries lie between the Caspian and the Black seas. 
The interior is occupied by a lofty range of mountains, which, 
like the Alps, have their summits covered with glaciers and perpet¬ 
ual snow. The general character of the country is mountainous, 
yet exceedingly fertile. Among the several different tribes who 
inhabit these regions, the most remarkable are the Circassians, who 
occupy the northern declivity of the Caucasian chain, and the 
Georgians, who inhabit the country south of it. 

The Circassians, though a barbarous people, are distinguished for 
their natural beauty and elegance. The men have a Herculean 
figure, a small foot, and strong wrist, and they manage the sabre 
with wonderful dexterity. The women are delicate, and possess a 
pleasing and graceful form; their skin is white, they have black or 
brown hair, their features are regular and agreeable, and they pay 
that attention to cleanliness which heightens the attractions of 
beauty. 

The Georgians are in general handsome, well made, and active; 
and are not deficient in natural understanding; but they are selfish, 
and addicted to drinking. They are rarely without their arms: even 
in the fields, they carry guns and daggers, to be in readiness against 
the robbers of the neighboring mountains. Many of the Georgians 
live in huts half sunk in the earth. 

The uncommon beauty of the women of these countries, par¬ 
ticularly of Circassia, has been long celebrated. Many of them are 
taken to Coilfetantinople and Persia, and sold for slaves. It is said 
that fathers have been found so debased and cruel as to sell their 
daughters into this detestable bondage. 


Describe B ilbec. 

221. Silualiou of the Caucasian countries? Describe the Circassians; Georgians. What 
of the women' 




RUSSIA IN ASIA- 


229 



These countries, which are not populous, are attached to the 
Russian dominions. 

Teflis, the capital of Georgia, contains about 20,000 inhabitants. 
It has 20 Georgian churches, 15 Armenian, one Catholic, and a 
Persian mosque. The people are very little engaged in manufac¬ 
tures; those of the simplest kind only are attended to. 

225. RUSSIA IN ASIA. 

Map of Asia. Whore is Russia in Asia, or Siberia? Boundaries? What mountains on 
the western border? On the eastern? Southern? Where is lake Baikal? Lake Tchany? 
Lake Allan? What of the river Yenisei? Lena? Irtish? Obi? Tobol? Toongooska? 
What capes on the northern coast of Siberia? What islands north of Siberia? 

What is the capital? Where is Tobolsk? Direction from Teflis? Medina? Constantino¬ 
ple? Bagdat? Boston? New York? From where you are? Where is Tomsk? Yakootsk^ 
Yeniseisk? Olensk? Obdorskoi? Irkootsk? Sbigansk? Tchadobsk. 

226. RUSSIA IN ASIA, continued. 

Asiatic Russia, or Siberia, is a vast tract of country, extending 
from European Russia to the Pacific ocean, a breadth of about 
4,000 miles; and from the Arctic ocean on the north to the borders 
of Chinese Tartary and Independent Tartary, on the south, a dis¬ 
tance of about 1800 miles. The population of this immense 
country is very small in proportion to its extent, not exceeding 
7,000,000. The inhabitants consist of various tribes, differing 
from each other in appearance, manners, religion and language. 

The face of the country, for the most part like European Russia, 
tends to a level. By far the greater portion of it has been but little 
traversed, and therefore is imperfectly known. The borders of the 
Arctic ocean consist mostly of marshy plains buried in almost ])er- 
jietual snow. A great portion of the interior is occupied by wide 


Describe the picture. To whom do the Caucasian countries belong? W^bat of Teflis' 
Manufactures? „ , , . 

226. Situation of Siberia? Population? Inhabitants? !• ace o* the countr} ' 

20 














230 


RUSSIA IN ASIA. 


and elevated deserts, called steppes. All other parts of Asiatic 
E.ussia, in Avliich the soil and climate admit of the growth of trees, 
abound in extensive forests.* Many of the southern regions are 
rich and very fertile. 

Siberia is chiefly valuable to Russia for its mines and furs. It 
also serves as a place of banishment for delinquents. Many prison¬ 
ers of state have been sent th-ither, who have greatly contributed 
to civilize and improve some portions of the country. Agriculture 
has made but little progress; north of lake Baikal, it is almost un¬ 
known; and from the 60th parallel toward the north, it entirely 
disappears. The winter, in all the north part of Siberia, comprises 
nine months of the year; the summer heats, though short, are sud¬ 
den and very powerful. , 

No part of this extensive country belonged to Russia till about 
the middle of the 15th century; nor was it completely subdued and 
attached to it till it was conquered by Peter the Great, and Catha¬ 
rine II., in the early part of the eighteenth century. The inhabi¬ 
tants were formerly almost wholly wanderers, but the greater 
portion now reside in towns, villages, and settled habitations. In 
no country are there found so many different races of inhabitants 
as m the Russian empire. The principal tribes or nations of Asiatic 
Russia, are the Tartars, Ostiaks, Koriaks, Samoiedes, and Kam- 
scliadales. 

The Tartars people the southern parts, from the Ural mountains 
to the Irtish. These are considered the most civilized and industri¬ 
ous of all the -natives. They are of a tawny complexion, stout and 
well made, robust and vigorous. The Mongul and Manchew Tar¬ 
tars are of a copper color, and in general are short and ugly. These 
extend from the Irticdi to Kamschatka, under the various names of 



Soil? For what i.i Siberia vdltiable' Agncullure? Cliuiatei* History? Priucipal liil>ct' 
Dcitc/ioe the* T.bUais * 











aUSSIA fN ASIA, 


231 


. Kalmucks, Monguls or Moguls, Manche/ws, and Tongusians. 

The Tongusians always purchase their wives, for each of which 
: . they pay from 20 to 100 reindeer. The polar race, called Samoi- 
^ edes, are of small stature, deformed and tawny, with black and 
I coarse hair, and small eyes. They extend along the Arctic ocean, 
and reckon about 500,000 inhabitants. In their habits of life, 
they are filthy in the extreme, and are sunk in gross superstition 
and idolatry. The Laplanders in the north of Europe, and the 
Esquimaux in the northern part of America, are of the same race, 
and are very similar in their appearance, habits and manners, to the 
Samoiedes. 

; The Ostiaks chiefly inhabit the country near the river Obi.. 

They are not much superior to the Samoiedes, although living to 
I the south of them. They have no aljihabet, nor can they count 
higher than ten. Their dress is made of skins and furs; they live 
I by hunting and fishing. The Kamschadales, like the Samoiedes 
i and Ostiaks, have their winter and summer cabins, which are gen¬ 
erally about 12 feet high. They subsist chiefly on fish. They 
I travel on sledges like the Laplanders, but instead of the reindeer, 

! they use dogs. In the north of Kamschatka, the cabins are sub¬ 
terranean. Their country, the most eastern part of the Russian 
empire, is a large peninsula, running nearly north and south, and 
is joined to the continent by a narrow isthmus. In shape it resem- 
bles that of a shoe. Its mountains are covered with perpetual 
snow, and includes several volcanoes; one of them is higher than 
Mont Blanc, and, since 1827, has not ceased to vomit forth masses 
I of fire. It rises abruptly from the plains near the sea, and presents 
! a more grand and sublime spectacle than any other mountain on the 
globe. 

The Siberfan wilds and forests are inhabited by a great variety of 
animals, whose skins supply the people with their winter clothing, 
and contribute largely to their commerce. The reindeer wanders 
over the whole northern waste, and is of the utmost importance to 
the inhabitants. In many districts, there is a kind of wild sheep 
In the mountains in the western part are the bison and the ibex, 
i Large stags are found in the tracts about lake Baikal. Wild horses 
: roam in herds over the steppes adjacent to Tartary. The bear, 

I wolf, and fox are common in Siberia, also hares, squirrels, and beav¬ 
ers. The best sables are found in the neighborhood of Yakousk 
, and in Kamschatka. 

The city of Tobolsk is situated on the Irtish. It contains three 
I churches, and has a population of about 25,000 inhabitants, con- 
i sisting of Swedes, Russians, Kalmucks, and Tartars. This city 
j is noted for its trade with China. All caravans wliich go from 
I China to Moscow pass through it. It is about 1,200 miles east of 


Tongiuians? De.'^cnbe the picture. What of the Samoiedes? Ostiaks? Kamschadalea? 
Wlwt of Kaiiwcbatka? Mouotaiiw? Auiuwla? What of Tohpisk? 





INDEPENDENT TARTAH-Y 


St, Petersburg. Irkutsk is a place of considerable trade. It is 
situated on the river Angara, near lake Baikal, and contains about 
20,000 inhabitants. The most northern town in Siberia is Ya- 
kootsk, on the Lena. The winters here . are excessively severe. 
Ochotsk is the port through which the trade with Kamschatka is 
'Carried on. 


227. INDEPENDENT TARTARY. 

Map of Asia, Where is Independent Tartary? Boundaries? Where are the Belnr Tag 
mountains? What of the Gihon river? Sihonr Ural? Taras? What sea or lake in Inde- 
ppiident Tartary? What is the capital? Where is Bukhara? Direction from Tobolsk? 
Mecca? Teflis? Aleppo? Constantinople? Cairo? Boston? Where is Khieva? Samar- 
cand? Shabal? Otrar? Taskent? Fyzabad? 

228. INDEPENDENT TARTARY, continued. 

Independent Tartary is a country of great extent, in the central 
regions of Asia, thinly inhabited and but little known. Its surface 
is in general mountainous, and its soil various, but not very fruitful, 
except along the borders of the Caspian and in the southwestern 
part. It is inhabited by a number of different tribes of Tartars, 



who are mostly of the Mahometan religion, and lead a wandering 
and predatory life. The Usbecks, who live in the south, are the 
most civilized, residing in towns and villages during the winter, 
though they inhabit tents during the summer. 

This was the original country of the Huns, from whom the 
T in ks are descended. It was also the seat of the empire of the 
celebrated Tamerlane. 

Bukhara is situated on the river Sogd. The houses are low, and 
generally of mud, but the numerous mosques and caravansaries are 

Wlifit of Irkutsk? Yakootsk? Ochotsk? 

223. What of Imlppendciit Tartarv? liihabitauts? Dcacrihe tl«; picture. Wliat of the 
Usbecks? History*' What of Bukhara? 










PERSIA. 


233 


of stone or brick. It has some manufactures of cotton, calicoes, 
and soaj). Its trade, which was formerly considerable, has declined. 
The inhabitants are somewhat advanced in civilisation, and the 
city has long been celebrated for its colleges for the study of 
Mahometan law. The population is estimated at upwards of 
70,000. Samarcand, also situated on the Sogd, is celebrated as 
having been the residence of Tamerlane, in whose day, it is said to 
have surpassed almost all the cities of the east in wealth and mag¬ 
nificence. It is situated on the borders of'a fertile plain, which 
extends west to Bukhara, and enjoys a delightful climate. It was 
formerly celebrated as a seat of Mahometan learning, and is known 
to have been a place of great trade. It has declined however from 
its ancient splendor, and is now an inferior city. 

229. PERSIA. 

Map og* Asia. Where is Persia? Boundaries? Where is mount Ararat? What of (he 
Tedzen river? The Tigris? What desert in Persia? What is the capital? Where is Tehe¬ 
ran? Direction from Cairo? Teflis? Aleppo? Bukhara? Mecca? Constantinople? Bos¬ 
ton? From where you are? Where is Ispahan? Meshed? Kerman? Bushire? Gombroon? 

230. PERSIA, CONTINUED. 

This country, so celebrated In history, is remarkable for the con¬ 
trasts afforded by its natural features. It abounds in rugged moun¬ 
tains and level plains, in barren deserts and valleys of great fertility; 
in the north, the winter is severe; in the south, the summer is so 
extreme as often to destroy life wi th its heat. 

It is in general an elevated country, traversed by numerous moun¬ 
tains in the north, and occupied by immense salt plains in the interior. 
Two thirds of the whole country are composed of naked mountains, 
arid deserts, salt lakes, and marshes covered with thickets. On the 
western, northern, and eastern frontiers, are large rivers, but none 
of great magnitude traverse the country. The streams which de¬ 
scend from the mountains are usually lost in the sands, or formed 
into lakes. They produce, however, the greatest part of the fer¬ 
tility which the country can boast, and, where abundant, render the 
plains through wliich they flow, beautiful and luxuriant in a high 
degree. The valley of Shiraz is considered one of the most beau¬ 
tiful in Asia. Although Persia generally has lost its forests, this 
valley is shadowmd by lofty and b^eautiful trees, among which are 
lavished a profusion of the most fragrant flowers. Toward the 
shores of the Caspian, the land being fertilized by the snow, which 
lies on the ground for several months, the country is covered with 
acacias, oaks, lindens, and chestnut rrees, while the mountains are 
covered with cedars and firs of various descriptions. Toward the 
Persian gulf, the face of nature is changed. Here the samiel 

What of Samarcand? 

230. What of Persia? Face of the country? Rirers? Valley of Shiraz 1 Country towarst 
the Caspian^ Toward the Persian gulf? 

20 






2,54 


PERSIA. 


sweeps over the country, and sometimes destroys the unwary 
traveller. It is said that the inhabitants of the cities, who are rash 
enough to expose themselves to its violence, often fall down dead in 
the streets. 

The wild animals of Persia are the boar, the bear, the lion, wild 
ass, hyaena, jackal, hares, squirrels, &c. The gazelle, the most 



beautiful species of antelope, often mentioned in eastern poetry, is 
a native of this country. The horses of Persia are reckoned 
among the finest and handsomest in the East. On one of these 
animals a Persian chief once travelled 332 miJes in 38 hours, in one 
uninterrupted journey. The camel is common in Persia, and the 
horned cattle are similar to those of Europe. The sheep drag 
behind them a tail of 30 pounds weight. 

'Phe principal manufactures of Persia are silk, woollen, mohair, 
carpets, and leather. The Persian trade has always been chiefly in 
the hands of foreigners, particularly Armenians. At j)resent, it is 
much less considerable than it has been in former times. The Per¬ 
sians are averse to the sea, and have never possessed any maritime 
power. 

Scarcely a twentieth part of the land in Persia is at present under 
cultivation. The most common grain is wheat, the quality of 
which is excellent. Rice, barley, millet, and oats are also cultivated. 
The hopes of the husbandmen are in some seasons disappointed by 
drought, and famine is produced throughout the land. In 1781, 
the people were reduced to such a condition, that they greedily de¬ 
voured dogs, cats, mules and horses. Thousands, in attempting to 
fly to more favored countries, became exhausted by the way, so 
that the roads were covered with the dying and the dead. 

The Persians have an olive complexion, with black hair. The 


Wliat of wil.I .aiuiials? Describe the-pictiire. Horses? Camel? Sheep'’ Manufactures? 
Trade? Productions? What happened iu 1781 ? Describe the Persians. 












PERSIA. 


235 


men shave their heads, and wear long crimson bonnets. The wo¬ 
men in the towns always have their faces covered with veils. The 
Persians ar6 Mahometans, of the sect of AH, and are the special 
objects of Turkish hatred. ^ They are gay, polished, cheerful, de¬ 
ceitful, profuse, and skilful in the use of flattery, fond of show and 
ornament, eager in acquiring property, and lavish in expending it.“ 
They are the most learned people in the East; the love of poetry 
and the sciences may be even considered their ruling passion. 
There are among them many persons of rank and wealth who live 
in a style of great luxury. 

The Persians have been called the Frenchmen of Asia. The in¬ 
habitants of Shiraz do indeed bear a resemblance to the Parisians ill 
the quickness and lightness of their walk, their volubility, their 
facility at turning a compliment, the delight they take in saying 
agreeable things about nothing, and the minute care they bestow 
upon their dress. 

The houses of the Persians are generally built of earth or mud, 
no windows being presented to the street. They are almost all flat- 
roofed, and only one story high. The floors are entirely overspread 
with carpets, which both prince and peasant use for seat, bed, table, 
and devotional kneeling. From the latter fact the carpets acquire 
a sacred character, and consequently the people leave their slippers 
at the door. 

Ispahan, the ancient capital, was once considered the finest city 
in the East, and, before it was depopulated by Kouli Khan, it is 
said to have contained a vast number of people; but it has now fallen 
greatly into decay, possessing not more than 200,000 inhabitants. 
This once superb capital, which the Persians considered as one half 
the world, is now a mere shadow of its former grandeur. It is the 
first commercial city in the empire, being the emporium of the for¬ 
eign trade between India and Persia, Turkey and Caubul. This 
city was taken by Tamerlane in 1386, when *70,000 persons were 
put to the sword. 

Teheran, the present capital of Persia, and residence of the em- 
j)eror, is now become of considerable importance, and contains about 
100,000 inhabitants. 

Shiraz is situated in the delightful valley we have described, and 
enjo 3 ’'s a delicious climate. This city has a pleasing rather than a 
grand appearance. It contains the tomb of the celebrated Hafiz, 
the Anacreon of the East, who was born there; and of Sadi, the 
great philosopher and poet. About 30 miles from Shiraz, on the 
road to Ispahan, are the ruins of the most ancient, as well as 
some of the most magnificent structures, that art has ever raised for 
the admiration of mankind. These are the remains of the celebrated 
city of Persepolis. This city is said to have been 25 miles in length, 
and of great breadth, making in the whole a prodigious extent. 


Whv do they resemble the French? What of houses^ What of Ispahan? Teheran? 
Shirais? Persepolis^ 








236 


AFGHANISTAN 


Persia has, until lately, been for a long period in a state of arrar 
chy. It was governed by a succession of kbans, or chiefs, who 
obtained their elevation by bloodshed and violence. The present 
sovereign, Futteh-Ali-Shah, seems to have established a better and 
more stable government, and enjoys the title of shah, or king. He 
can bring into the field 100,000 men; and the number of his subjects, 
though greatly reduced by recent wars, is probably from eight to 
ten millions. He holds his court at Teheran, and has of late been 
engaged in various struggles with Russia. 

231. AFGHANISTAN. 

Map of Asia. Where is Af£;hanistan? Boundaries? What of the river Helmund? WTiat 
lake in Afghanistan? What is the capital? Where is Caubul? Direction from Teflis? 
Mecca? Teheran? BukJiara? Cairo? Boston? Where is Kandahar? Balk? Herat? 

232. AFGHANISTAN, continued. 

Afghanistan, or the kingdom of Caubul, is about one-sixth as 
extensive as the United States, and embraces the eastern part of 
ancient Persia, together with a portion of what was formerly at¬ 
tached to Hindostan. On the north, the mountains are covered 
with perpetual snow. The face of the country is greatly diversified 
with mountains, hills and valleys. There are some deserts and 
some spots of great fertility. The climate is very remarkable for 
its variety, and it is the more worthy of notice as it is caused, not 
by its latitude, but by the elevation of difi'erent parts of its surface. 

In some portions, the heat is almost insupportable; while in Ghiznie, 
there are traditions that that city has been twice destroyed by lulls 
of snow, in which all the inhabitants were buried. 

This kingdom derives its name of Afghanistan from a province 
of that name. The inhabitants are called Afghans, and are descend¬ 
ants of the ancient Medes. The kingdom was founded less than ^ 
a century since. The population is estimated at 10,000,000, consist- ^ 
ing of the following nations, viz: Afghans, Indians, Persians, and 
Tartars. 

The exports from the Afghan country to India are principally 
horses, furs, shawls, chintz, tobacco, almonds, nuts, and fruits. It 
abounds in silver, lead, iron, sulphur, horses, camels, sheep with fat 
tails, and various wild animals similar to those of Persia. 

This country is governed by the chief or king of the Afghans. 

His authority is generally acknowledged and submitted to % the 
people who inhabit the plains and the towns; but the tribes who 
have their own separate chiefs, particularly those in remote districts, 
are not as much subjected to his sway. On the whole, however, 
the government seems well established, and the people possess con¬ 
siderable national feeling. In religion they are Mahometans. 

(joveriiment of Persia? 

232. Whal of Afgljanistan? Climate? Population? Inhabitants? Exports'* Governiiien't.^ 

To what are they addicted? 



AFGHANISTAN^ 


237 


The Afghans purchase their wives; consequently the women, 
though generally well treated, are considered as property. The 
women of the upper classes are completely secluded, but have all 
the comforts and luxuries provided for them that can he atibrded. 
Those of the lower classes perform the work of the house, but do 
not engage indiscriminately in the labors of the men. The senti¬ 
ment of love, in all its fervor and fidelity, is often entertained by these 
people. It is not uncommon for a man to plight his faith to a young 
woman, and then set off to some remote town to earn a sufficient 
amount of money to purchase her of her friends. 

The officers of religion are the instructors of the youth; there is a 
teacher in every camp, Avho is maintained by certain allotments of 
land. In towns, there are regular schools, in which the teacher is 
maintained by his scholars alone. The Afghans are fond of snulf, 
and delight in tales of kings, genii, and fairies. Their favorite 
amusement is the chase. They are much addicted to plunder. 



Caubul, the present capital of the Afghan empire, is handsome, 
but not extensive. It is situated on the river Caubul, at the foot 
of the Indian Caucasus. The houses, for the most part, are of 
wood. Kandahar, one of its firmer capitals, is large and populous. 
It has suffered greatly by wars, having been taken and retaken many 
times. Balk is one of the most famous cities in the East. In an¬ 
cient times, it was large, jiopulous and magnificent; but, being 
taken by Genghis Khan, in the year 1221, it was greatly reduced, 
and nearly the whole of the inhabitants, were put to the sword. 
Herat, formerly called Heri, is one of the most ancient and renown¬ 
ed cities of the East. 


V/liat of ihe women? rZiliicaliou^’ Schools? Amusements? Describe the picture. What 
ol Caubul? Balk? Herat? 













238 


BELOOCniSTAN'. 


233. BELOOCHISTAN. 

Map of Asia. Wliere is Beloochislan? Boundaries? What desert in Beloochistan^ 
What of the river Indus? What is the capital? Where is Kelat? Direction from Teflis? 
Teheran? Aleppo? Mecca? Cauhul? Bukhara' Boston? Constantinople' From where 
you are? Where is Bayla? Tatta? 

234. BELOOCHISTAN, continued. 

Beloochistan is situated northwest of the peninsula of Hindos- 
tan, and formerly belonged to Persia. In the northern part, it is 
very mountainous. Many of the mountains are elevated, and cov¬ 
ered, a great part of the year, with snow. In the plains, the heat 
is very great. In summer, the water is generally scarce. The de¬ 
sert of Beloochistan is 300 miles long, and about 200 broad, con¬ 
sisting of waves of sand, extremely difficult to be traversed. There 
are extensive tracts of table land, which are elevated, cold, rugged 
and barren. The low parts of the country lie on the south and 
east: tliCvSe tracts are hot, and generally dry from the want of rain. 
There are shallow rivers, however, flowing through them in some 
places; these parts are well cultivated. 

The minerals are gold, silver, lead, iron, copper, tin, rock salt, 
alum, salt-petre, and sulphur. The soil produces grain, cotton, in¬ 
digo, madder, and asafcetida. The country is occupied by various 
tribes, who generally profess the Mahometan religion, and are, 
some of them, tributaries to the king of the Afghans, and some of 
them subject to the khan, who resides at Kelat. 

The inhabitants of the table land are principally Belooches. 
They are a hospitable and honest people, but are depriveil of the 
advantages of civilisatiofi, and have a general resemblance to the 
Afghans. The plains are inhabited by another race, called Rind, 



234. Wliat of Beloochistan? Minerals' Productions? Tribes? Describe the Beloochcs} 
(iuuL J>escrilie Uie picture. 















HINI>OSTAN. 


239 


who are determined and sang-uinary robbers. Plunder on a 
small scale is held by them in contem;)t. When they intend to 
make a foray, they set out on camels, each man having:'the chargee 
of ten or twelve; ride 80 miles a day, till they approach the destin¬ 
ed scene of operations; lurk in some unfrequented jungle in the 
neighborhood; rush out at midnight; set the devoted village on 
fire, and kill and carry off men, women, children and flocks. The 
captives are tied on camels, and blindfolded, that they may never 
know the road back to their native spot. 

This country is inhabited by another tribe, called Loories, of a 
meaner caste, who are abandoned to every species of depravity; they 
plunder in every shape, and murder in cold blood on the slightest 
resentment. They scarcely rear any children, and keep up their 
community by man-stealing. 

The Sindees, who occupy the borders of the Indus toward its 
mouth, are represented as a handsome race, blacker than most of 
the ])eople of India; but they have the character of being treacher¬ 
ous, cruel, licentious, and deficient in intelligence. 

This country has few considerable towns. Kelat, the capital, is 
a well built place. It contains a royal palace, and about 4,000 
houses, and has a brisk trade. It is the residence of a kahn, or 
king, to whom some of the tribes are subject. 

235. HINDOSTAN. 

Map of Ana. Where is Hindostan? Boundaries? What two ranees of mounfains in 
Hindoslan? Where are they? Where is the Malabar coast? Coromandel coast? What of 
the river Indus? Ganges? Jumna? Kistua? Godaverv? Nerbuddali? Burrampootei? 
Whei’e is cape Comorin? What two gulfs in Hindostan? Where is the island of Ceylon? 

IVhat is the capital? Where is Calcutta? Direction from Kelat? Teheran? Mecca? 
Cauhul? Aleppo?, Teflis? Bukhara? Cairo? Tobolsk? Constantinople? Boston? From 
where you are? Where is Nepaul? Delhi? Sural? Seriugapatam? Lahore? Beuaies? 
Goa? Bombay^ Madras? Cochin? Pondicherry? Cambay? 

236. HINDOSTAN, continued. CEYLON. 

Hindostan, often called India, or India within the Ganges, is in 
extent three-fourths as large as the United States. A counfry so 
extensive must of course possess every variety of surface. The 
northern portioji is for the most part a vast plain, watered by the 
various branches of the Ganges and the Indus. Between the 
sources of these two great rivers, is an immense sandy desert, re¬ 
sembling in its aspect the dreary barrens of Arabia and Africa. 
The central, southwestern, and southern parts of Hindostan, are 
traversed by the Vindhia mountains, the Eastern and Western 
Gauts, and several inferior ranges. Between the Eastern and 
Western Gauts, is an extensive tract of table land, elevated 2 or 
3000 feet above the level of the sea. 


■ Loories? Sindees? What of Kelat? 

23t3. Face of the country tn Iliudostan^ 






240 


HINDOSTAN. 


Only two seasons are known in India—the dry and the rainy 
In the dry season, vegetation universally labors under a deadly Ian 
guor; but a rain of one night’s duration transforms it into a ver¬ 
dant meadoAV, a plain, which, on the preceding day, was a spectacle 
of utter dryness, where not one leaf of herbage could be found. In 
Bengal, during the wet season, it rains incessantly for many days. 
The rivers overflow their banks, and cover the whole country, 
except places which are on elevated situations, or protected by 
dikes. On the Malabar coast, sudden showers, storms and hurri¬ 
canes, are more violent than on the Coromandel. If the rain does 
not come on at the ordinary time, or if it is not in sufficient quantity, 
dismal effects follow for the whole year, often amounting to the 
most destructive famine. In 1793, so great was the scarcity 
occasioned by the drought, that parents sold their children for a few 
pounds of rice. 

The climate of India is that of a country situated within the 
torrid zone, and at the same time adjoining a boundless mass of icy 
mountains. In the greater part of this extensive region, snow 
never falls, and ice is unknown. Nowhere do hurricanes rage with 
greater fury. Nowhere are the lightning and peals of thunder 
more appalling. Nowhere is the husbandman more liable to the 
ravages of protracted drought, or drenching floods of rain. 

The fertility of the soil and the nature of the productions are as 
various as the temperature and climate. India is traversed by large 
chains of rocky mountains and by hills of sand. It has also sandy 
deserts, where the burning south wind carries before it clouds of 
dust, in which it sometimes buries houses and cultivated fields. 
At the mouths of the great rivers, the soil is usually marshy. 
In some instances, the marshy land extends along a great part of 
the banks of rivers in the interior. But with the exception of 
these uncultivated parts, India presents on all hands beautiful mead¬ 
ows, rich pastures, fields loaded with abundant harvests, which are 
gathered twice in the year, and valleys filled with every useful and 
every beautiful product of vegetation. 

Rice, the chief food of the frugal Indians, abounds in most of the 
provinces; wheat, barley, maize, and millet are common; melons, 
pine-apples and other fruits are abundant. No part of the world 
offers a more luxuriant display of beautiful and fragrant flowers than 
this. In Cashmere and the vales of Delhi and »Seringa, the air is 
perfumed with roses from which the ottar is obtained. Beside 
these, there are multitudes of other plants, as well of the useful as 
of the beautiful kind. A great part of the soil is covered with for 
ests of bamboo, which sometimes attain the height of sixty feet 
The country produces every variety of palm-trees, and the bread 
fruit-tree, beside the various fruit-trees of Europe, as apples, pears i 


Seasons'* Climate? Soil-* Productions? Plants? Trees? 



, flINDOSTAN. 241 

p.'ums, &c., oaks, pines, cypresses, poi)lars, myrtles, tamarinds, 
the teak for ship building-, and ebony. 

In mineral wealth, India is one of the richest countries in the 
world. Many of the rivers are known to bring down particles of 
gold from the mountains. Rich mines of gold and silver occur in 
Golconda. There are many copper mines, and iron is found in 
almost every province. In no part ol’ the world are diamonds so 
numerous or so beautiful as in India, especially in Bengal and some 
other provinces. 

The animal kingdom is equally varied. Monkeys of various 
forms make their ap{)carance every where in troops. Bears, wolves, 
hyesnas, lynxes, tiger-cats, caracals, leopards, ounces, tigers, ele¬ 
phants, and rhinoceroses are common. The country swarms with 
serpents; they are found in the forests, in the plains, in the gardens, 
and sometimes in the interior of the houses; even the sea, which 
washes the Indian shores, is filled with serpents, the bite of which is 
dangerous. The crocodile, lizard, and other reptiles abound. The 
birds are innumerable; there are more than 50 kinds of parrots; 
this is the original country of the peacock; the forests, in every 
part of it, are inhabited by enormous flocks of peacocks in a wifd 
state. 

The population of Hindostan, amounting to 134,000,000, consists 
of two distinct classes, the descendants of the ancient inhabitants, 
and the tribes of foreign extraction. The most consjiicuous of 
these tribes are the Tartars, Monguls, Afghans, Belooches, Malays, 
Persians, Arabs, and Jews. These mixed inhabitants form a small 
part of the population; they are estimated at 10,000,000 only. The 
Hindoos are the original peojile of the country, and still possess 
the finest portions of it. Their nation is of great antiquity, and 
its history may be traced back to the age of Moses. In the times 
of Alexander the Great, more than 2,000 years ago, they were the 
same people as now, possessing the same manners, religion, and 
customs. The description given of them in his time, would accu¬ 
rately describe them now. 

The Hindoos are in complexion nearly black, with long hair, 
straight limbs, and a pleasing countenance. They are naturally in¬ 
dolent, and desire nothing but ease. They make no figure in any 
except, a few mechanip arts. Moderate and sober in their habits, a 
single piece of linen or cotton stuff suffices them for clothing: their 
dwellings are the slightest and simplest that can be imagined; their 
sustenance consists of rice and water: little trouble is required to 
satisfy their few wants. Such is the general character and condi¬ 
tion of the people; there are, however, some rich individuals, 
habituated to the conveniences of life, who display in their houses 
all the luxury of the East. We find the persons of the rajahs and 
ihe nabobs surrounded by numerous slaves, their garments glitter- 


Muii-raJs'’ Animals’ Tribe*? History of the Hindoos? Wliat of them? 
21 







242 


HINDOSTAN. 


mg with gold, silver, gems, and embroidery, their apartments adorn¬ 
ed with painting and gilding, and perfumed with various valuable 
essences. 

Their sacred books, which contain a body of religion as well as 
a system of civil law, are Avritten in a language called Sanscrit, 
which is a very rich and perfect langaage; it is not now spoken, 
but there are as many as ten different dialects of it in use. 

One of the most remarkable circumstances in Hindoo manners, 
is the division of the people into castes; a division which has exist¬ 
ed for thousands of years. The leading castes are four: first, Bra- 
mins, who are men of letters, and have tlie care of religion and 



laws; second, the soldiers, called Rajah-poots, or descendants of 
the rajahs, (this class includes princes and sovereigns;) third, mer¬ 
chants, farmers, and shepherds, called Vaisyas; and fourth, Sudras, 
or laborers. The Bramin is required to abstain from animal food, 
and fermented liquors, and to perform innumerable religious rites 
and ceremonies. Some of them, however, engage in employments 
of a secular nature. Many of them are agents, or ministers, of the 
native prmces; some of them embark in commerce; and others are 
employed m carrying messages between distant places. They are 
an artful set of impostors, expert in disguising the truth, and prac¬ 
tising without scruple every artifice to gull the people, and accom¬ 
plish their own selfish purposes. The number of persons of this 
caste, who are respectable for their knowledge and virtue, is ex¬ 
tremely small. The great body of these hereditary priests and 
sages are devoted to ambition, intrigue, and voluptuousness, and 
are disgraced by meanness, avarice, and cruelty. The charity 
which they profess is never practised. Totvard the other castes 
they cherish no feeling of humanity, but claim every thing from 
them, while they give them nothing in return. 


Sacred books? What ol' castes? Describe the picture, lirauiius? 















illNDOSTAN 


243 


The rajah-poots seem not to possess the g-eneral character of the 
Hindoos. They have a ferocious courage, a savage ambition, and 
an insatiable avarice, not often compensated by any real virtues. 
Many of these are employed in the English service under the name 
of sepoys.—The duties of the third caste consist in the labors of 
the field and garden, the rearing of cattle, and the sale of landed 
produce. When they travel to other countries, they engage in 
mercantile pursuits.—The business of the fourth and most numer¬ 
ous caste is servile labor. They are compelled to work lor the 
Bramins, being considered as created solely for their use. To them 
the vedas, or holy books, must never be read, and whoever in¬ 
structs them in religion is doomed to one of the hells with which 
the world of spirits is provided.—Such is this singular institution 
of castes. Each individual remains invariably in the rank in 
which he is born, and cannot aspire to a higher, whatever be his 
merits. The castes never intermarry, and so complete is the sepa- 
’ ration, that they will not even eat at the same table. 

The religion of the Hindoos, derived from their sacred books, 

, inculcates a belief in the existence of one supreme God, who holds 
himself aloof from the world, in a state of perfect indolence and 
! bliss, having committed the government of the universe to three di- 

I vinities. They believe that those who withdraw from the world, 

and devote themselves to abstinence and self torture, will arrive at 
supreme happiness, by being united to the spirit of the great deity, 
as a drop of water is absorbed by the ocean. The souls of the less 
I holy they imagine, will pass into the bodies of other men and 
' brutes. The duties, ceremonies, and observances of religion are 
interwoven with all the common offices of life. The people wor¬ 
ship images, and, under the blind infiuence of superstition, drown 
their children in the rivers, inflict upon themselves the most painful 
I tortures and penances, and seek death by drowning, by fire, by be¬ 
ing crushed beneath wheels, and by throwing themselves on large 
I iron hooks. There is not perhaps, in the whole history of' the hu- 
I man race, a picture more truly horrible and disgusting, than is pre- 
I sented by the idolatries of this infatuated people. 

The greater part of this vast country has been brought under the 
j government of the British East India company, almost entirely 
I since the middle of the last century. More than half of the coun- 
; try is directly tributary, while the other portions, under the domin¬ 
ion of various independent sovereigns, are, in a greater or less 
' degree, subject to the influence of the British power in India. The 
government of British India is committed, to a governor appointed 
■ by the king. Some of the principal English possessions in India, are 
I Bengal, Bahar, and Benares, on the banks of the Ganges, of which 
Calcutta is the capital; the Carnatic on the coast of Coromandel, 

I of which Madras is the capital; the island of Bombay, the town of 


. Fourth plaas^ Ecligioo of 4ho Eliudoo»^> Gkwonunenl#' 





244 


HINDOSTAN. 


Surat, and several districts on the Malabar coast, of which Bomoay 
.s the capital. At each of these capitals is a president, Avho is 
charged with the local government. The whole number of Euro¬ 
peans residing in India, does not probably exceed 40,000; yet such is 
the superior intelligence of the Europeans to the inhabitants of 
India, that they are able to sustain a dominion over more than a 
hundred millions of people! 

The English who reside in India, have carried their native man¬ 
ners to this distant land; they generally live, however, in a style of 
great luxury and magnificence. In addition to the amusements of 
England, they have tiger hunts, which are attended with great 
danger. The animals are pursued by people mounted on elephants, 
and on horseback, accompanied by dogs. ^ 

The celebrated city of Calcutta is the metropolis of the British 
power in India. It is situated on a branch of the Ganges called 
the Hoogly river. It is rendered somewhat unhealthy by being in 
the vicinity of extensive muddy lakes, and an immense forest. 
On approaching the city from the sea, a stranger is much struck 
with its magnificent appearance: the spires of the churches, tem¬ 
ples, and mosques, the-strong and regular citadel of Fort William, 
the extent of the buildings, the splendor of adjoining villas and 
gardens, present an interesting and varied picture. That part of 
the town which is occupied by the natives, and called the Blaclc 
Town, extends to the north of the other, to Avhich it exhibits a 
wretched contrast. The English houses are all detached, each 
possessing a piece of ground surrounded by a high wall. Popula¬ 
tion, 600,000. 

One of the moat memorable objects in Calcutta is the Black 
Hole, the prison in which Soubah Saribeh, on taking the fort, hi 
1757, shut up the garrison, consisting of 146 persons; 123 of whom 
perished miserably before morning by suffocation. 

The city of Delhi is situated on the river Jumna, and was 
anciently the capital of Hindostan. It is said to have contained, at 
one time, 2,000,000 of inhabitants. The present remains of its 
former magnificence are truly astonishing. The imperial palace, 
built of reddish granite, is 3,000 feet in length, and its breadth 1800. 
The rooms glitter with gilding and every species of ornament. 
The stables are capable of holding 10,000 horses. Three other 
palaces are still to be seen in the suburbs. In one of these, the 
walls of the great saloon are so profusely ornamented with crystals, 
that, when lighted up, it seems like a conflagration. In this palace 
is a throne, over which a palm-tree of gold stretches its branches, 
upon which a peacock with expanded wings, also of gold, is support¬ 
ed. The tail and wings of the peacock glitter with emeralds, and 
the fruit of the palm-tree is partly executed with diamonds.- The 
workmanship is so exquisite, that the tree and peacock, which are 


Wiiut of (ho Englbb in Hiudostaa^ Describe CoIcuUai- Dlack Uole. Wfiiki ol 



HINDOSTAN 


*243 


admirable imitations of nature, seem actually to wave to and fro in 
the breeze. This famous city, of which the accounts are so mar¬ 
vellous, was plundered, about a century ago, by Nadir Shah, and 
robbed of treasures to the value of 50,000,000 dollars. It has 
since greatly declined, and the modern town is an inferior city, 
containing about 150,000 inhabitants. 

Lahore has lost much of its ancient splendor, but still possesses 
many fine buildings and elegant gardens. It contains the beautiful 
fortified palace of the Mogul sovereigns, one of the finest and most 
I sumptuous in the world. When beheld from the opposite side of 
the river Ravey, with its varied terraced gardens, it looks like a 
j scene of enchantment. The roofs are adorned with a thousand 
I species of the finest flowers. The interior of this magnificent 
1 building is ornamented with gold, lapis lazuli, porphyry, and fine- 
1 grained red granite. Pop. 150,000. 

I ^ Surat is_ a conspicuous trading city. The most remarkable 
institution is the Banyan hospital for sick, wounded, and maimed 
animals, dictated by the religious tenderness entertained by the 
Banyan sect for the animal creation. In 1772, it contained a 
I \’ariety of quadrupeds and birds; also an aged tortoise, which was 

j knovvii to have been there 75 years. There was even a ward for 

rats, mice, bugs, and other noxious animals. In sickness they are 
attended with assiduity, and provided with an asylum in old age. 
Pop. 450,000. ... 

Another city of distinguished interest in India, is Benares, being 
a place of great sanctity, and the focus of Braminical erudition. 
The streets of Benares are so extremely narrow, that it is difficult 
I to get along, even on horseback. Some of the brick houses are 
I' six stories high, with terraces and small windows. Those on the 
opposite sides of streets are often connected by crossing galleries. 
Benares contains many inhabitants of great opulence, and many 
active merchants and bankers. It is the Athens of the Hindoos. 

I The Bramins are seen teaching literature and science in the streets, 
and under the trees. Since it came into the hands of the English, 
in 1781, it has increased rapidly. The population exceeds 600,000. 

Golconda, though renowned for diamond mines, contains none at 
present, and it is doubtful if it ever did; but it is a considerable 
depot for diamonds brought from other parts to be polished and 
■ fashioned for sale by the diamond merchants of Golconda. The 
! city of Bejapoora exhibits scarcely any thing but shapeless heaps 
; ^ of ruins attesting its ancient magnitude. Here are some magnifi- 
i ^ cent relics of the tombs of Mahometan saints. 

Madras is a highly interesting place. On approaching this city 
t from the sea, the flat, sandy shores, and low hills, present an appear¬ 
ance of barrenness, which wears off when we come nearer, and find 


Ancient citv? Modern town? W'hat of Laliore? Surat? Benares? Golconda? Be« 
jspOora? Madras? 


21 





S46 


CHIN> INDIA. 


crowds of human being-s covering- the beach. The public building’s 
have an elegant appearance, and exhibit beautiful colonnades sup¬ 
ported on arched bases. The fortifications of Fort George, and the 
pagodas and minarets at a distance, mixed with trees and gardens, 
give an air of magnificence to the scene. Pop. 300,000. 

Pondicherry was once the most splendid European settlement in 
India. It stands on a sandy plain, near the sea, producing only 
palm-trees, millet and a few herbs. It has no commanding advan¬ 
tages for commerce, and derives all its importance from being the 
capital of the French possessions in India. 

Bombay, the seat of government for the southwestern part of the 
British possessions in India, is situated on an island of the same 
name. It has extensive fortifications. At the conimencement of 
the hot season, those Europeans who are obliged to have their resi¬ 
dence within the fort, erect temporary houses, some of which are 
elegant, but so slight as to be unable to resist the monsoons. As 
soon as the rains begin, they are taken down, and preserved for 
another year. It is a place of growing importance. Pop. 200,000. 

Ceylon, a large island south east of Hindostan, belonging to 
Great Britain, may properly be described here. The inhabitants 
consist chiefly of various tribes, in a nearly savage state; of these 
the Cingalese are the principal. The maritime parts are inhabited 
by Moors, and some Europeans are settled in the island. The 
population is probably about 1,500,000. The climate is delightful, 
and the country abounds in the rich productions of India. It affords 
the best of cinnamon, and is famous for pepper, gold, precious stones, 
ivory and pearls. European missionaries have lately undertaken 
to introduce Christianity among the natives, and signal success has 
attended their labors. Candy is the capital. 

237. CHIN INDIA, or FARTHER INDIA. 

Map of Asia. Where is Chin India? Boundaries? In what part is the Birman empire? 
Tonquin? Cochin China? Cambodia? Laos? Siam? What of the Cambodia river? Ir¬ 
rawaddy? What two gulfs in India? What is the capital? Where is Ava? Direction from 
Teflis? Kelat? Teheran? Calcutta? Cairo? Bukhara? Tobolsk? Mecca? Aleppo? 
Constantinople? London? Boston? From where you are? Where is Ummerapoora? 
/angoon? Pegu? Siam? Saigon? Aracan? 

238. CHIN INDIA, continued. 

This country, generally called Farther India, or India beyond 
the Ganges, comprehends the Birman empire, the kingdom's of 
Tonquin, Cochin China, Cambodia, Laos, and Siam. This vast 
country is scarcely known except along its shores. The interior is 
occupied by three principal ranges of mountains, with table lands, 
between which are three extensive valleys, beside many smaller 
ones. The coasts are liable to intense heats, and the low valleys are 
subject to periodical inundations of the rivers. 


What of Pondicherry? Bombay? Island of Ceylon’’ 
238. WliJl dues Farther India compreliend? 



CflIN INDIA. 


247 


The contrasts of barrenness and fertility are in this country very 
surprising. When there is little or no rain, the country is parched 
to a desert; but along the margin of rivers, and on the sides of 
mountains, a perpetual verdure is spread over the face of nature. 
Owing to the united influence of great heat and great moisture, 
vegetation assumes the most luxuriant character. The loftiest 
trees known perhaps in the world, are here; while on every hand, 
are rare and curious plants, and a profusion of dazzling flowers, 
which impart to the atmosphere the most delicious odors. The 
general description of the climate, soil, animals, and vegetables^ 
given of Hindostan, will apply with little variation to this fruitful 
portion of the earth. The inhabitants of these countries resemble 
the Monguls and Chinese, and are supposed to be derived from the 
same original stock. 

The Birman empire is of recent origin, and includes the kingdom^ 
of Ava, and various conquered provinces. The ancient capital, 
Ava, was until recently in ruins; the materials of the houses, 
which were principally of wood, having been removed to the ncAV 
city of Ummerapoora. This was the capital until a late date, 
when the emperor removed his court to Ava. 

Ummerapoora stands on the banks of a deep and extensive lake. 
It is said to exhibit a splendid appearance, and to resemble Venice 
in its situation. The royal library consists of many volumes of 
history, romance, medicine, music, painting and divinity. The city 
once contained about 175,000 inhabitants, but has greatly declined. 
Ava, the present capital, has been partially restored. The palace 
of the king is a splendid ediflce. 

The Birmans are represented as lively, impatient, active, and 
irascible. Both men and women color the teeth black. The bodies 



Facf (W the country? Soil? Vegetation? Inhabitants? What of the Biman einplire? 
What v.f tin Biiuiaiis? Descriiie the picture. 
















248 


CHI3« INDIA. 


of the dead are burned. They excel in some arts, and maintain 
considerable commerce with several of the adjacent countries. 
Their religion bears a resemblance to that of the Hindoos, though 
divested of some of its offensive characteristics. The emperor is 
completely despotic. A white elephant is kept near the royal pal¬ 
ace, superbly dressed,* and sumptuously fed, and receives homage 
from the people, as a sort of second sovereign, next in rank to the 
king. This elephant is made to receive presents from foreign am¬ 
bassadors*. The population is estimated at 30,000,000. 

Until the year 1826, this kingdom was much more powerful than 
at the present time. At that date, a war was terminated between 
the Birman empire and the British East India Company, by a treaty, 
in which the king of the white elephant ceded all the western coast 
of his empire to the latter power. Assam, which had been subju¬ 
gated by the Birmans, became once more independent, and the city 
of Rangoon was declared a free port. 

It was during the above-mentioned war that Mr. Judson, an 
American missionary, was imprisoned at Ava, where he suffered the 
greatest distress. This was alleviated by the affectionate courage 
of his wife, whose devotion to the cause of piety and humanity, 
amid the greatest dangers and trials, affords one of the most inter¬ 
esting narratives ever published. 

Laos is separated from the surrounding country by high moun¬ 
tains and thick forests. It affords musk, gold, and precious stones, 
and especially rubies, topazes, and pearls, also the best kind of gum- 
lac. Elephants are said to be so abundant, as to give name to the 
country. The trade is principally in the hands of the Tonquinese 
and Chinese. Hunting and fishing are almost the only occupations 
of the inhabitants, who are described as gentle, sincere, and super¬ 
stitious. The country is divided into several small kingdoms, under 
an absolute sovereign, who is the tool of his priests and ministers. 

To the east of Laos is Tonquin, of which the city of Tonquin is 
the capital. The climate is agreeable; the productions various and 
abundant; the forests are filled with tigers, deer, anteloi)es, and 
monkeys; and the fields are covered with cattle, buffaloes, hogs, 
and winged game. The government is despotic. The people have 
lighter complexions than the other Indian nations, and black, long 
and thick hair. Their whole dress consists of a robe, which reaches 
to their heels. They are described as hospitable, faithful in friend¬ 
ship, and entertaining great respect for civil justice. They manu¬ 
facture silk, cotton goods, and other articles, and keep up a great 
commercial correspondence with China. 

To the south of Tonquin is Cochin China, of which the geogra¬ 
phy is very obscure. The country is divided into plains and moun¬ 
tains. During the autumn, the plains are inundated, and boats are 


What of British conquestsf Mr and Mrs. ■Judson^’ What of Laos? Toiiquiu? C* 
chin Cliina? 



MALACCA. 


249 


navigated over the fields and hedges; so that the children out in 
small barks to fish for the mice which cling to the branches of the 
trees. This country produces many interesting articles of com¬ 
merce, which attract many European traders. The people are re¬ 
garded as one of the most lively and active nations of Asia. The 
costume of both sexes consists of wide robes with flowing sleeves; 
their houses are built of bamboo, and roofed with reeds and rice 
straw, and are generally surrounded with groves of orange and 
lemon-trees, bananas and cocoas. The people are of Chinese origin, 
follow the religion of Budha, and submit to a sovereign who is 
styled King of Heaven. 

Of the kingdom of Cambodia we have few authentic accounts. 
It appears to be thinly peopled. The capital, called Cambodia, 
consists of a single street, with one large temple. The lands pro¬ 
duce rice and other vegetable food. Many Japanese, Chinese, and 
Malays are settled in the country; they are scarcely to be distin¬ 
guished from the natives, who have dark, yellow complexions, and 
long, black hair. 

At the bottom of the gulf which divides Chin India into two 
peninsulas, is the kingdom of Siam. This kingdom was considered 
as the leading power in this part of India, till it was curtailed by 
the Birman invasions. The country is fertile, and cultivated in 
parts with skill and success. The productions and animals are 
similar to those of the adjacent countries. It is celebratkl for the 
beauty and docility of its elephants. White elephants are venerat¬ 
ed, because the people believe that the souls of their sovereigns pass 
into them at death. It is said that the crocodiles which infest the 
principal river, Meinam, are sometimes 50 feet in length; this is 
doubtless an exaggeration. The trees along this river are covered 
_with phosphoric flies, which emit and retain light, apparently like 
our lightning-bugs. Siam has mines of gold, silver, and copper. 
The capital, called Odia, is said to contain monasteries, colonnades 
and temples, of some magnificence. The Siamese are of an olive 
color, mixed with red: they blacken their teeth, and have uncom¬ 
monly wide mouths. Each man has several wives, who are not 
allowed to eat with their husbands. The people are fond of boat 
fights, combats of elephants, processions, and illuminations. Their 
commerce is considerable with Japan, China, and Hindostan. They 
follow the religion of Budha, and are governed by a king, who, 
if he pleases, marries his own sisters, and receives almost divine 
honors. 


2S9. MALACCA. 

Map of Asia. Where is the peninsula of Malacca? In what direction is it from Japan? 
Ceylon? Persia? How is it separated from Sumatra? What sea on the east? What great 
bay to the west? 


Ckmlxidia? Siam? What of elephants in Siam? Crocodiles? What of the Siamese? 






250 


MALACCA. 


240. MALACCA, continued. 


The peninsula of Malacca is 550 miles long, and 110 broad. 
The interior is occupied with immense forests. In these forests, 
the musquitoes are so thick as to appear like clouds; at every step 
there is danger of treading on serpents. Leopards, tigers, and 
rhinoceroses, are ready to devour the undefended traveller. The 
Malays, far more treacherous than the wild beasts, unwillingly 
bestow protection which a stranger needs, in a country so beset with 
dangers. 

Pepper and other aromatic plants grow here. The forests, ar¬ 
rayed in perpetual verdure, contain aloe-wood, sandal-wood, and a 
6])ecies of cinnamon. Tigers, pursuing the antelopes across the 



rivers, sometimes fall a prey to the crocodiles. The wild elephants 
afford a plenty of ivory. Gold is found in some of the rivers, 
and tin is an article of export. Malacca, the chief city, once con¬ 
tained 20,000 people, but is now reduced to 5 or 6,000. The gov¬ 
ernment is in the hands of several chiefs. Pera, a country rich in 
tin, is governed by Mahometan princes, who are prevented from 
working the mines, from an apprehension that it will offend the 
genii of the mountains. The Malays, are a peculiar race, which 
we shall frequently meet with in the Asiatic isles. 


241. CHINA PROPER 


Map of Asia. Where is Chiua? Boundaries? What of the Hoan^ Ho? Yangtse Ki- 
ang? Hoang Kiang? What lakes in China? Where is the island of Hainan? What is the 
capital? Where is Pekin? Direction from Tetlis? Cairo? Caubul? Teheran? Mecca? 
Aleppo? Tobolsk? Calcutta? London? Paris? From where you are? Where is Canton? 
Nankin? Yanuanfou? Yengan? Singanfou? 
















CHINA PROPER. 


251 


242. CHINA PROPER, continued. 

China Proper embraces a space about t.liree-fourths as largfe as 
the United States. The country is diversified with hills, vaTleys, 
plains, and mountains. The climate varies in dilferent places, "in 
the southern parts, the heat is excessive; while in Pekin, snow lies 
on the ground for three months in the year, and the temperature is 
colder than in the same latitude in Europe. Such is the variety of 
the climate, that China produces the fruits both of the torrid and 
temperate zones. Rice, which is the general food of the jieople, 
is the chief article of culture. In the north, wheat, barley, and 
! other grains take its place. Next is the tea plant, of which there 
are vast plantations in the southern and middle parts, and it is the 
great article of Chinese commerce. The country also produces 
I silk, camphor, &c. 

Agriculture is pursued with diligence, but with a degree of skill 
and science far inferior to what is exercised in Europe. On the 
i road from Pekin to Canton, there are extensive tracts in a state of 
j nature, dry mountains, which are not susceptible of cultivation, 
i and gloomy heaths, which are destitute of almost every species of 
vegetation. Yet nearly the whole arable land is constantly employ¬ 
ed in the production of human food. There are very few pastures, 
and few fields of oats or turnips for feeding cattle. Even some of 
the steepest mountains are brought under cultivation; they are 
cut into terraces, resembling, at a distance, immense pyramids 
divided into numerous steps or stories; and, what is worthy of our 
admiration, the water which runs at the foot of the mountain is 
raised from terrace to terrace to the very top, by means of a chain 
- pump, which may be carried about and worked by two men. 

The monuments of the Chinese have been much extolled. We 
cannot help admiring some of their great roads, their one-arched 
bridges, their pyramidal towers, and their strange but sumptuous 
triumphal arches. The great wall, in particular, cannot be beheld 
without astonishment. This celebrated rampart passes over high • 
mountains, crosses deep valleys, and extends from the province 
Shensi to Wang-hay, or the Yellow sea, in a line of 1240 miles. 

In many places, it is only a simple wall; in others, it has founda¬ 
tions of granite, and is built of brick and mortar. It was con¬ 
structed long since, as a defence against the Tartars on the north. 

The Chinese have displayed their remarkable industry in uniting 
by numerous canals all the waters, with which nature has so largely 
endowed their empire. Travellers are astonished at the length and . 
commodiousness of these canals. The rivers and canals are cover¬ 
ed with so great a number of vessels, loaded with all sorts of r>ro- 
• visions, that the waters seem to have on their surface as large a ,1 

242. Extent of China Properi* Face of the country? Climate? Productions? Agricul- ^ 
ture? Difscrilje the country from Pekin to Canton. What of monunieuU? Tlie great walii* 
Canal* ‘ y 







252 


CHINA PROPER, 


population as the land. The canals have a stone quay all along 
their margin; but the navigation is slow, because the vessels are 
generally dragged by men. The numerous rills, the rocks, the 
woods, the fields, and quick succession of villages, render China 
a country highly pleasing to the eye; the wonders of nature are 
often beautifully combined with those of human industry. The 
most celebrated of the canals is that called' the Imperial canal, 
forming a communication between Pekin and Canton, about 1660 
miles long. It Avas built in the end of the 13th century, under the 
grandson of Geng his Khan. The only interruption to this long 
navigation is a distance of one day’s journey in crossing a mountain. 

Mechanical talent alone has met with encouragement among the 
Chinese. Their industry in the manufacture of studs, of porce¬ 
lain, of lackered work, and other articles, is astonishing, and can 
be compared to nothing in the world but their labors in the field, in 
the construction of canals, the levelling of mountains, and the for¬ 
mation of gardens. 

In features and the shape of the head, the Chinese resemble the 
race of Monguls. The head is almost quadrangular, the nose short 
without being flattened, the complexion yellow, and the beard thin. 
A Chinese female becomes vain of her beauty in proportion to the 
smallness of her eyes, the protuberance of her lips, the lankness 
and blackness of her hair, and the extreme smallness of her feet. 
This last qualification completes the idea of beauty. In order to 
confer on them this high perfection, their feet are carefully swathed 
as tight as possible in youth, so that, when grown up, they seem 
to totter rather than walk. Among the men, corpulence, as the 
sign of an easy life, commands a certain degree of respect; men of 
thin forms pass as persons void of talent. People of quality allow 



Imperial canal? What of mechanical falent'’ Personal appearance of the Chiue=e? Cb». 
nc'e la'iies'^ 










CHINA xPROPEIU 


255 

the nails of their finders to grow long. The hair of the head and 
of the beard is stained black. The preceding picture represents a 
Chinese tradesman, lady, soldier, and mandarin. 

The Chinese are a set of subjugated and disciplined barbarians. 
Seldom do they lay aside the humble and insinuating air of slaves 
anxious to please. They rarely betray the slightest degree of 
rudeness or passion. This character partly arises from the total 
abstinence which they observe from heating diet and inebriating 
liquors. The use of tea is very common among them. A large 
vessel of it is prepared in the morning for the use of the family 
through the day. Polygamy is allowed to the grandees and man¬ 
darins. Marriages depend upon the pleasure of the parents. In 
order to obtain a wife, presents must be made to her family. The 
husband cannot see her .till the marriage ceremony is over. The 
women are kept in a sort of slavery; the Chinese peasant yokes 
his wife and his ass together to h.Ls plough. 

The houses are of brick and hardened clay, and very often of 
wood. In general, they have only one story. Those of the mer¬ 
chants have an upper story, which is used as a store-house. The 
exteriors of the buildings are adorned with columns and galleries. 
Their apj)earance is imjjroved by small flower-pots, in which the 
Chinese take great delight, presenting an agreeable mixture of 
verdure with the varied colors of their numerous blossoms. Each 
house stands by itself, surrounded Avith gardens, and spacious court¬ 
yards. The rooms are kept clean, Avith very little decoration. 
Even glass is not very liberally used, though it might seem so likely 
to please the taste of a vain and childish people. The Chinese 
dress themselves in long robes, Avith Avide sleeves and floAving silk 
girdles. Furs are every where seen in Avinter, differing in quality 
from sheep-skin to ermine. The people Avear a small funnel- 
shaped hat, which is mounted Avith a large button of coral, crystal, 
or gold. 

The great and learned in China pay a species of adoration to 
Confucius, an ancient philosopher of their country, but the com¬ 
mon people are attached to the religion of Fo. It abounds in 
superstitions, self-accusations, apprehensions, and mortifications, 
suited to the timid, pusillanimous character of the eastern nations. 
The priests are called Bonzes. Their number is prodigious; it is 
said that there is at least a million of them in the empire. All of 
them live by alms. These holy mendicants conceal under a sober ^ 
garb, a sufficient quantity of pride and avarice. 

In so vast an empire, the trade betAveen the different provinces 
must be of large amount, but we are unacquainted with its nature. 
The trade Avhich they carry on with foreign nations is not propor¬ 
tioned to the size and opulence of the empire. In 1806, China ex- 


D-^sci Hie tli<* picturp. Character of the Ohiaese? Houses'' Dress? What of Confucius’ 
Ruliniou? Boiizbs? Trade of China'* 

0.1 




254 


CHINA PROPER. 


ported about 45 millions of pounds weight of tea; 13 millions of 
which were sold to the Americans, 1 million to the Danes, and the 
rest to the British; 10 millions of pounds of sugar, 21,000 pieces 
of nankin, 3 millions of pounds of tutenag, besides copper, borax, 
alum, quick-silver, porcelain, lackered ware, tin, vermilion, 300,000 
pounds of cinnamon, rhubarb, musk, and various other drugs. 

The pretended wisdom of Chinese laws may be characterized in 
few words. It consists in strict regulations of police, and fine dis¬ 
courses on morality. The emperor never alters the laws, because 
they place the absolute power in his hands. The despotism of the 
sovereign keeps the grandees in order, and obliges them to remain 
united. There is no resistance on the part of the people; they 
have no courage, though much cunning; they find it safer to retain 
a part of their property, by grovelling at the feet of their masters, 
than to risk the loss of the whole in order to obtain their liberty. 
Besides, they have scarcely a motive to rebel; though robbed by 
their superiors, they are suffered to rob in their turn by using false 
weights, and disguising their goods. Justice is ill administered; it 
may, however, be purchased of the judges at a reasonable price. 

The emperor is styled the Sacred Son of heaven. Sole Ruler of 
the earth, and the Great Father of his people. Offerings are made 
to his image and to his throne; his person is adored, his people pros¬ 
trate themselves in his presence; the noblemen of liis court, when 
addressed by him and receiving his orders, must bend the knee; 
every thing around him participates in the idolatry which is lavished 
on his person. When this demi-god goes abroad, all the Chinese 
take care to shut themselves up in their houses. Whoever is found 
in his way is exposed to instant death, unless he turn his back, or 
lie flat on the ground. All the shops by which the emperor is to 
pass, must be shut, and this prince never goes out without being 
preceded by 2000 men, carrying chains, axes, and various other 
instruments, characteristic of eastern despotism. 

Pekin is the capital of the whole Chinese empire, and the ordi¬ 
nary residence of its sovereigns. It is situated in a fertile plain, at a 
distance of 26 miles from the great wall. The walls of Pekin are 70 
feet in height, and conceal the buildings from the view. The gates 
are not embellished with statues or with sculpture, but their pro¬ 
digious height gives them, at a certain distance, an air of grandeur. 
The greater part of the streets are in straight lines; the largest are 
120 feet wide, and nearly three miles in length, well aired, clean and 
cheerful. The whole street is generally occupied with shops, in 
which the silks and wares of China are sold. The magnificence 
of the imperial palace does not consist so much in .the imposing 
elegance of its architecture, as in the number of its buildings, its 


Exports in 1806? Chinese laws? Despotism? Emperor? What is required when he 
goes abroad? Situation of Pekfii? What of its walls? Gates'* Streets^ Describe the im 
perial palace and gardens. 



THIBET 


255 


courts, anti fts gardens. The walls of the palace comprehend a 
little town, inhabited by the great officers of the court and a multi¬ 
tude of mechanics, all in the emj^eror’s service. The gardens of 
the palace form a vast park; in which, at proper distances, artificial 
hills rise 20 to 60 feet in height, separated from one another by 
little valleys, watered with canals, which unite to form lakes and 
broad ponds: these are navigated by magnificent pleasure-boats, 
and their banks are adorned by a series of houses of which no two 
are alike. Pekin contains about 1,500,000 inhabitants. 

Nankin is situated on the Kiang. Without reckoning its sub¬ 
urbs, it is said to be 33 miles in circumference. The only public 
edifices at Nankin are its gates, which are extraordinary for beauty, 
and some temjiles, such as that to which the famous porcelain tower 
belongs. This has eight stories, is ascended by 884 steps, and, ac¬ 
cording to the Chinese, is adorned at the top by a pine-apple of 
solid gold. In the corners of all the galleries are hung bells without 
number, which send forth clear and delightful sounds from the im¬ 
pulse of the wind. Nankin passes fi^r the seat of Chinese learn¬ 
ing : its libraries are more numerous than those of any other place 
in the empire. Pop. 800,000. 

Canton is one of the most populous and wealthy cities of China. 
Its harbor is the only one in the whole empire frequented by Euro¬ 
peans. It is delightfully watered by lakes, canals, and branches of 
the river Ta, all of which are covered with boats and junks. The 
city contains a great number of triumphal arches and temples, rich- 
'y ornamented with statues. The throng of passengers in the 
streets is so great, that it is difficult to get along. Canton has about 
800,000 inhabitants. 

Vau-tchang-fou, in the centre of the empire, is almost equal to 
Paris in extent. The strongly fortified city of Kin-tcheou-foii, in 
the northeast, is considered as one of the keys of the empire. Sin- 
gan-fou is one of the finest cities in the empire. Its walls are elev¬ 
en miles in extent. 

243. THIBET. 

M(ip of Asia. Where is Thibet? Boundaries? What mountains separate ft from Hindos- 
tan? What of the Burrampooter river? Irrawaddy? What lake in Thibet? What U the 
capital? AVhere is Lassa? Direction from Pekin? Teflis? Cairo? Teheran? Bukhara? 
Kelat? Tobolsk? Caubul? Constantinople? Mecca? Boston? From where you are? 
Where is Bootan? 


244. THIBET; continued. 

Thibet is in extent about one-fifth as large as the United States. 
The interior is little known. It is a very elevated and mountain¬ 
ous country, and has been called the Switzerland of Asia. The 


Population of Pekin? Extent of Nankin? What of its gates? Temples? Porcelain 
tower? Libraries? W'^hat of Canton? What of the other cities of China? 

244, Extent of Thibet.? Wlial has it been called? 






256 


THIBET. 


Himmaleh mountains, on the southwestern boundary, are nearly 
five miles in height, and are the loftiest elevations on the globe. 
The soil presents a general aspect of“ sterility, and the climate, 
even as far south as the 27 th degree of latitude, is intensely cold. 
The air is dry, but healthful; vegetation is scanty. Wheat, pease, 
and barley are the chief productions of agriculture. Sheep and 
goats are numerous; the latter are celebrated for their fine hair, 
which is chiefly exported to Cashmere in a raw state, and there 
manufactured into shawls. The inhabitants appear to be a mild 
race, of Tartar descent. They have large flocks of cattle; wild 
animals and wild fowl are abundant. 

Thibet is remarkable as the chief seat of Lamaism, a religion 
which prevails over a large portion of Central Asia, the spiritual 
head of which is the Dalai Lama, or Grand Lama. This is the 
visible divinity of a great part of Asia. The divine spirit is sup¬ 
posed, after quitting one body, to enter a new one, and thus, under 
a succession of forms, the head of the church keeps up the miracle 
of' his perpetual existence. It is pretended that a heavenly odor is 
exhaled from his whole body; that flowers grow beneath his foot¬ 
steps; and that, in the most parched desert, springs flow at his^ 
command. Such is the belief of this superstitious people. The 
simple truth is, the Grand Lama is some person selected by design¬ 
ing priests to sit cross-legged, and receive the homage of innumer¬ 
able pilgrims, who flock to his temple from all parts of Central 
Asia. 

Lassa, the capital, is situated in a large plain. It is a small city, 
but the houses, built of stone, are spacious and lofty. It is the 
seat of the Thibetian government, and of the Chinese mandarins, 
who are appointed as overseers. The famous mountain, on which. 



What of the Hinimnleh mountains? Soil of Thibet? Productions? Animals? Inhahit- 
ajils? What is Thilj«t remarkable for? Describe the Dalai Lama. What of Lasso? Do- 
sciilie (he picture. 








CHINESE TARTAiiy. 


237 


IS the palace of the Grand Lama, is seven miles from this city. 
This palace, or temple, is decorated with numberless pyramids of 
gold and silver, and the ten thousand rooms of the interior contain 
an immense number of idols of the same precious metals. Near 
this temple is a monastery, which has three or four hundred apart¬ 
ments inhabited by monks,, besides temples and mausoleums. 

Latak, in the west, is said to be a large* town. Most of the 
towns are mere villages surrounding some temple. 

245. CHINESE TARTARY. 

Map of Asia. Where is Chinese Tart ary? Boundaries? Where is Mantchooria? Mon¬ 
golia? Soongaria? Little Bucharia? What three ranges of mountains in the western part 
of Chinese Tartary? What desert in Mongolia? Where is Saizan Nor? Lake Palcati? 
What of the river Amoor? Hoang Ho? Usuri? Kerton? Where is Cashgar? Direction 
from Teheran? Teflis? Cairo? Caubul? Tobolsk? Mecca? Where is Harcash? Kaia- 
koruin? Ooalin? Ningoota? Seghalien? 


246. CHINESE TARTARY, continued. 

Chinese Tartary is divided according to the different tribes by 
which it is inhabited. The eastern part is occupied by the Mant- 
choos; the middle by the Monguls; and the west by the Kalmucks 
or Soongars. Little Bucharia, lying south of Soongaria, is also 
included in the Chinese possessions in this quarter., Of these vast 
countries we have little information from recent travellers. The 
greater part of this region seems to be an immense elevated plain, 
or table land, and is usually known by the name of the great plain 
or plateau of Central Asia. It is intersected ivith barren rocks, 
and vast sandy deserts, and is supported on all sides by tremendous 
ranges of mountains. * 

These mountains are inexhaustible store-houses of snow and ice, 
which h-ave a material influence in forming the climate of various 
parts of Asia. From these mountains, too, innumerable rivers 
flow, some of them emptying into the northern, and some into the 
soutliern seas, and others losing themselves in the deserts, enclosed 
by the mountains. The whole country is so cold and dry as to be 
ill suited to agriculture. The great sandy desert of Cobi, or Shamo, 
on account of its elevation, and the vicinity of snow-capped moun¬ 
tains, is not subject to the scorching heat of other deserts, but it is 
equally barren and destitute of water, and can only be traversed by 
camels. 

Mantchooria comprises the eastern part of Chinese Tartary, and 
appears not to be a populous country. The Mantchoos are of 
Mongul origin. The king of the Mantchoos in a former age 
conquered China, and the emperors since have been his descend¬ 
ants. Mantchooria, now a dependency of China, has kept up con- 


I’al.ice of the Grand Lama? Latak? Other towns? 

246. How is Chinese Tartary occupied? What of Little Bucharia? What of the greater 
part of Chinese Tartary? What of mountains'' River*'' Desert of Cobi or Shamo? Whore 
IS Mantchooria? 


Li'-r* 








25B 


CHINESE TARTARY. 


siderable intercourse with that country, whicli has had an influence 
to soften the barbarous character of the people. Though, for the 
most part, a nation of wanderers, and living in tents, yet many of 
them have fixed habitations, and have made greater advances 
towards civilisation than the other inhabitants of these remote re¬ 
gions. Their language is said to be the most perfect of the Tartar 
dialects. Their general dress is like that of the Chinese, and the 
women decorate their heads with a fanciful array of flowers. 
That part of the Mantchoo territory which lies between the great 
wall of China and the river Amoor, appears to be well inhabited, 
and contains a great number of towns and villages. The capital is 
Seghalien. 

The Monguls are a wandering people, subsisting almost entirely 
on their flocks and herds, which they lead to pasture in different 
parts of their wide territory, according to the season and state of 
forage. Their domestic animals are horses, camels, oxen, sheep 
and goats. They dwell in tents of felt, and use covered wagons 
for the conveyance of their families from place to place. They 
remove usually fifteen times a year. At the time of removal, the 
flocks, men, women and children, form a regular procession, folloAV- 
ed by the young women singing cheerful songs. The amuse¬ 
ments of these wandering and happy tribes are horseraces, in 
which even the young women excel; archery, wrestling, panto-, 
mime and singing, performed by the girls, and accompanied by’the 
violin and flute. 

The complexion of the Monguls is yellow; they have flat noses,, 
small oblique eyes, thick lips, large ears, and black hair. They 
possess a very cheerful temper, and their general character is kind, 
frank, and hospitable. They are subject to China, but in some 
parts the Chinese dominion is little more than nominal. The 
khans of southern Mongolia are entirely under the government of 
China, to which they pay an annual tribute, and present themselves 
at the emperor’s court in the posture of the humblest vassals. 

Among the Kalmucks, or Soongars, hunting, the care of flocks,' 
and the building of tents, are considered as the only occupations 
suited to the dignity of a freeborn son of the desert. Their tents 
are made of poles, and covered with felt. They prefer the freedom 
of their wandering habits and portable dwellings, to all the con¬ 
veniences of a settled life. They live almost wholly on flesh, and the 
products of their dairies. The Kalmucks are a cheerful, robust 
people, never dejected by sorrow, never subdued by despair. The 
marriages of this people are celebrated on horseback. On the day 
a])pointed for the nuptials, the bride, mounted on a fleet horse, rides- 


Tiihabitants.^ What of the Monguls? Describe their removals from one place to an¬ 
other. Person.al appearance of the Monguls? Cliaracter.^ Government? What of the 
Kalmucks? Describe a marriage among them. 



OOREA. 


25!> 



off at full speed, her lover pursuing, and if he t>vertake her, she 
becomes his wife without further ceremony. But if the woman be 
disinclined towards her pursuer, she will not suifer him to overtake 
her. The preceding picture illustrates a Kalmuck wedding. The 
Monguls, Kalmucks, and niost of Vne other tribes of Chinese 
^ Tartary, are devoted to the superstitious worship of the Grand 
Lama. 

Little Bucharia lies to the west of Thibet, and is divided from 
Independent Tartary by the celebrated mountains called Belur Tag; 
it ap])ears, notwithstanding its appellation, to be an extensive coun¬ 
try. It is inhabited liy a people considerably advanced in civilisa¬ 
tion, and entirely dillerent from the Tartars in features and man¬ 
ners. They are chiefly occupied in 4rade and commerce. Their 
religion is Mahometan.^ They were subdued and made tributary 
to the Kalmucks, but are now under the dominion and protection 
of China. Little is known of the origin of this people. They 
appear to be the original inhabitants mixed with Kalmucks. The 
country, though cold, is very fertile. Its chief commodities are 
gold, and precious stones, raw silk, and rhubarb. Cashgar, the 
capital, formerly gave name to a kingdom, and was well known in 
the East by its commerce, part of which it still retains, though 
greatly declined from its ancient splendor. 

247. COREA. 

Map of Asia. Where is Corea? Boundaries? In what direction w Kingkitao from Cash- 
gar? Constantinople? Tetlis? Cairo? Teheran? Caubul? Tobolsk? Boston? From 
where you are? 

24S. COREA, CONTINUED. 

Between Mantchooria and the islands of Japan, is the great pen- 

Descrihe th^icture. Relicrion of the Mongols and Kalmucks? What of Little Bucharia'' 
Inhahitanls? Their origin? What of Cashgar? 

248. Wliere is Corea'' 








260 


COREA. 


insula of Corea. It is said that this country, though in tlie lati¬ 
tude of Italy, has a very cold climate on account of the mountains 
it contains. In the northern part, snow falls in winter in such large 
quantities, as to render it necessary to dig passages under it to go 
from one house to another. Yet the soil is fertile and well culti¬ 
vated. Among its minerals are gold, silver, lead, iron, topazes, 
and rock salt. The' most common animals are wild boars, croco¬ 
diles of great size, bears, sables, martens, beavers, and deer. 

The Corean towns have the same general appearance as those 
of China. But the houses are built of mud, without art, and des¬ 
titute of convenience; in some places, they are raised on stakes. 
The houses of the nobility have more external show, and are sur¬ 
rounded with extensive gardens. 

The Coreans are a well made people, of an agreeable physiogno¬ 
my, and very polished in their manners. In a state of subjection 
for ages to a foreign yoke, they have contracted the vices of servi¬ 
tude. They are much addicted to pleasure, and so habituated to 
cheating, that even the Chinese are taken in by them. Any sea¬ 
men, who are so unfortunate as to suffer shipwreck on their shore, 



are reduced to slavery. The Chinese have introduced their arts, 
sciences, and language into Corea. Here, as in China, the philos- 
opliy of Confucius is the prevailing doctrine among the great and 
learned. But the idolatrous religion of Fo has many followers. 
The Coreans manufacture a very wdiite and strong paper from cot¬ 
ton; they also make fans and painted paper for ornamenting rooms, 
and very fine linens. The other branches of their industry are 
unknown. 

The king of Corea is subject to China. He resides at King-ki- 

Why is it so cold in this country? V/hat of the soil? Minerals? Animals? Towns? 
tlouses? What of the Coreans? Describe the picture. Wlitt have the Chinese done.^ 
\V lul of leligihn? What do the Coreans uianufaciure? What of the Ring of Coic4^ 
















JAPA^J. 


2G1 


ttio, which is the capital. In his own country he is absolute. 
Every inhabitant is l)Ound to labor for him three months, besidea 
which he receives a tenth part of all the productions of the country. 

249. CHINESE EMPIRE. 

Map o f Asia. Where is the Chinese empire? Boundnries? What three ranges of moun¬ 
tains in tlie western pai-l of tliis empire? What lakes in this empire? What countries are em¬ 
braced in the Chinese empire? 

Map of the IVorld. Begin and count the degrees of longitude east from Washington to 
Pekin. How many degrees between the two places? Begin at Washington and count the 
degrees of longitude west to Pekin. IIow many are there? Which is the nearest way to 
Pekin, east or west? How many degrees nearer to Washington is Pekm if you go west, than 
if you go east? 


250. CHINESE EMPIRE, continued. 

The Chinese empire embraces China Proper, Thibet, Corea, and 
Chinese Tartary. These various countries, all united'under one 
sovereign, occupy a space more than twice as extensive as the 
United States,' and constitute the most populous empire in the 
world, and the most extensive, except that of Russia. The num¬ 
ber of the inhabitants is very uncertain, but may be estimated as 
follows:—China Proper, 200 to 250 millions; Thibet, 12 millions; 
Corea, 15 millions; Chinese Tartary, 6,500,000. It is probable 
the whole population of the Chinese empire does not exceed 
250,000,000. 


- 251. JAPAN. 

Map of Asia. Where are the Japan isles? Boundaries? IIow many islands are there^ 
Which is the largest? What strait between Niphon and Jesso? 

Map of Pacific Ocean. In which direction are the Japan isles from New England across 
the Paoinc? About how many degrees of longitude is Niphon west of Boston? Which is 
most northerly, the centre of Niphon, or Washington? 

252. JAPAN, CONTINUED. 

, The three islands of Niphon, Kiusiu and Sikoke, surrounded 
with a multitude of smaller islands, form the empire of Japan, a 
country not more than three times as extensive as New England, 
yet containing nearly twice as many inhabitants as the whole of the 
United States. This nourishing state, at the farther extremity of 
Asia, is withdrawn from the researches of travellers, by the cautious¬ 
ness of its policy, which excludes foreigners from its dominions. 

The whole country is full of mountains .and hills, and its coasts 
are beset with steep rocks, which are opposed to the waves of a 
stormy ocean. But the hills, the mountains, and the plains, enriched 
with many singular plants, present an interesting picture of human 
industry and skill. The most celebrated mountain of Japan is that 
of Foosi, which is covered with snow through the year. The 


250. What does the Chinese empire embrace? Extent? Population? 

252. What islands form the empire of Japan? Extent? Population? What is said o( tli* 
polipy pf^apau? W'h^ ^ictur« dpesJhe country present? What of Fousb?^ 






262 


JAPAN 


greater part of the mountains are covered ivith evergreen trees, and 
abound in limpid springs. 

These islands experience great extremes of heat and cold. The 
summer heat, however, is frequently alleviated by the sea breezes. 
In winter, the northwest winds are exceedingly sharp, and bring along 
with them an intense frost. Thunder is heard almost every night in 
summer; storms, hurricane^, and earthquakes are very frequent. 
Every part of Japan is under cultivation, with the excejition of the 
most rugged mountains. On the sides of steep hills, stone walls 
are raised which sustain plots of ground soAved with rice or with 
pulse. Rice is the principal grain. The tea-plant grows without 
culture in the hedges; ginger, black pepper, sugar, cotton, and in¬ 
digo, are cultivated AAuth success. The Japanese have no apples, 
but they have oranges of a large size, pears, figs, and date plums. 
They have a great variety of useful and beautiful trees and shrubs. 

There are few cattle in Jajian; a variety of the buffalo, and some 
very small oxen, are emplo^md in agriculture. Dogs are fed at the 
expense of the towns, and are treated Avith much kindness and re¬ 
spect. Bears, Avolves, and foxes are the only Avild animals, and there 
are very few birds. Gold and silver abound. Copper forms the 
chief Avealth of some of the provinces, and the most valuable of their 
exports. 

The houses have only tAVO stories on account of the earthquakes. 
The interior is divided into apartments by moA^able partitions, and 
is ornamented Avith paintings. The furniture glitters Avith a bright, 
unchangeable varnish. The Japanese are well formed, free and 
easy in their manners, of a hardy constitution and of middle stature. 
Their complexion is generally yelloAV, but the women, from wearing 
veils, preserve their skin as white as Europeans. Their eyes are 
oblong, small, and sunken, as if constantly Avinking. Their hair is 
black, and their noses broad and snubby. A Japanese is certainly 
rather a ludicrous object: his head half-shaved, the hair Avhich is left 
accumulated on the top of his head, the enormous covering of oiled 
j)aper in which he is Avrapped up when he travels, his salutations, 
Avhich consist in bending his body repeatedly to the ground, and the 
fan Avhich he constantly holds in his hand, present an extraordinary 
figurA The Japanese, proud of the minute cleanliness of their 
habits, despise the Europeans as a dirty race. They have a high 
sense of honor; their courtesies and ceremonies are infinite; they 
have books teaching them hoAV to take a draught of water; hoAV to 
give and receive presents, and all the other minutiae of behavior. 
The following picture represents a Japanese priest or bonze, lady, 
soldier, lady and servant. 

In Japan there are no taxes to interrupt the progress of trade. 
The harbors are filled Avith large and small craft. The shops and 


Other mountains? Climate? Soil? Productions? Animals? Minerals? AA'hat of 
Houses? Personal appearance of the Japanese? Describe a Japanese A.A*hat of the char 
aefer of the people? Describe the. picture. Trade* 





JAPAN 


263 



e markets teem with all sorts of wares. The Japanese imj)ort raw 
. silk, sugar, turpentine and drugs from China. Their exports are 
e copper, varnish, and gum-lac. 

el The government is an absolute and hereditary monarchy, sup- 
r ported by a great number of subordinate princes, who arrange the 
revenue of their own fiefs or governments. The laws of the 
country are few, but executed with the utmost rigor, and with no 
i\ resi)ect to persons. The police is vigilant. There is reason to be- 
j lieve that, at the present time, there is a gradual, but slow improve- 
I' i ment in tlie moral and political condition of the people. The pop- 
,j j ulation is about 25,000,000. 

The towns on the northern and western coast of the island of 
Niphon and of all the island of Sikoke are only known to us by 
name. In Kiusiu is the harbor and town of Nangasacki. When 
approached by sea, this city presents views so beautiful, that any 
thing like them would be sought for in vain in the most celebrated 
picturesque gardens of Europe. A rock, 2S8 paces long, is the only 
place in which the Dutch are allowed to reside, where they live in 
a state of seclusion and solitude, ignorant of all the world beside. 
These are the only foreigners permitted in the Japanese dominions. 
Sanga is celebrated for the beauty of its women, and a manufacture 
of almost transparent porcelain; and Cangoxima is the place where 
the Portuguese landed when they first discovered the country. 
They obtained access, and for a time were freely admitted. The 
Catholic missionaries propagated Christianity to a great extent, but, 
owing to their imprudence, the Portuguese, as well as all other 
Christian nations, were banished, and have since been excluded 
from the kingdom. Forty thousand Japanese, who had embraced 
Christianity, sufiered a miserable death from persecution. 'Pha 

Governments? Laws? Population? Towns? Harbor and town of Nangasacki? Where 
do the Dutch reside? What of Sanga? Cangoxima? Wliat of the Portugtiese? Eflect ol 
tiieir iinnrudence? 





















ASIA. 


5iC4 


most common torment inflicted upon them was roasting alive. 
Some faint traces of the Christian religion remain, mingled with 
their ancient superstitions; but in general the people are attached 
to the religion of Budha, resembling that of Fo. They are very 
superstitious, and have a multitude of objects of worship. On the 
high road, every mountain, hill, and cliff is consecrated to some di¬ 
vinity, to whom travellers are required to address a multitude of 
long prayers. As this would occupy too much time for those who 
are in haste, a machine is used, consisting of an upright post, with 
an iron plate set into the top. The turning round of this plate, 
upon which the prayer is engraved, is deemed equivalent to repeat¬ 
ing the prayer. 


253. ASIA. General View. 

Map of Asia, Map of Pacific Ocean, and 3fap of the World. How is Asia bounded? 
What division between Asia and Europe? How is Africa connected with Asia? How separat¬ 
ed? What is the most northern point of Asia? The most southern? The most eastern? The 
most western? What separates Asia from America? What seas around Asia? What gulfs? 
What bays? What great salt lake or sea in Asia? What other lakes? What country in 
North America is in the same latitude as the Caspian sea? What large rivers in Asia flow into 
the southern seas? What into the northern? Describe the Indus; Ganges; KiangKu; 
Amoor; Lena; Yenisei; Obi; Gihon; Euphrates; Tigris. 

Boundaries and capital of Arabia? Turkey in Asia? Caucasian countries? Persia? In¬ 
dependent Tartary?' Afghanistan? Beloochistan? Hindostan? Chinese Tarlary? Chiu 
India? Malacca? Thibet? China? Russia in Asia? Corea? Japan? Chinese empire? 
What large town in the United States is in nearly the same latitude as Pekin? Which of the 
Southern States is directly west of Japan? What desert in Asia is on the opposite side of the 
globe to Philadelphia? What part bl America is in the same latitude as llindostau? Arabia 
and Chin India? What, in tlie same as Persia? Independent Tartary? Russia in Asia? 

Where is the Belur Tag range of mountains? The Altaian? The Ilimmaleh? The Gauts^ 
The Ural? Caucasus? Where is mount Ararat? 

254. ASIA. General View, continued. 

According to the most authentic records, it was in Asia that 
civilisation and the arts had their rise. It is certain that within its 
limits the first human pair had their residence, and that from them 
the world was peopled. Here the great events recorded in the 
Old Testament chiefly happened. Here some of the great mon¬ 
archies of antiquity had their rise and fall; here lived the prophets; 
here dwelt David and Solomon; here ministered the Saviour of 
mankind; here the apostles received, and here began to preach, the 
gospel. 

It is ascertained that Asia is completely separated from the Amer¬ 
ican continent by Behring’s straits. Taking its boundaries as 
usually laid down, the whole extent maybe estimated at 16,000,000 
square miles; its greatest length being about 6,000 miles, and its 
greatest width 4230 miles. Its extent is somewhat mOre than that 
of the whole continent of America. Its population is variously esti- 


VVliat is the present religion of Japan? Describe the praving machine. 

2o-}. Wnere ahl ilie arts have their rise? In what counirv did the first human pair live? 
What great eveitts have happened in Asia' How is Asia separated from America? Extent of 
Asia? Length? Width' 




ASIA. 


265 


mated at from 840,000,000 to 580,000,000. It probably amounts at 
least to 400,000,000, and nearly equals the population of the rest 
of the globe. 

In the centre of Asia is an immense plateau, or plain, which rises 
between the 30th and 50th parallels of latitude. It is an assem¬ 
blage of naked mountains, enormous rocks, and very elevated 
I plains. Near these high regions, three immense ranges of moun¬ 
tains shoot up, forming a rampart round the plateau, and the centre 
I from which the principal ridges branch out and traverse various 
parts of Asia. These ranges are the Altaian on the north, Belur 
Tag on the west, and Hirnmaleh on the south. Here the princi- 
‘ pal rivers of Asia have their source. The Hirnmaleh range is con- 
‘ sidered the highest in the world. Its loftiest peaks have been esti- 
' mated at 25 or 26,000 feet, an elevation of about 5 miles above the 
level of the sea. The highest peaks of the Altaian chain are 10,000 
feet above the level of the sea, and are covered with j)erpetual 
snow. The highest peaks of the Belur Tag are very lofty, but 
their precise elevation is not known. 

Beside these ranges, there is the Ural chain, which commences 
near Nova Zembla, forms a part of the division between Europe 
and Asia, and, proceeding in a southerly direction, terminates be¬ 
tween the sea of Aral and the Caspian sea; the Caucasian chain, 
between the Black sea and the Caspian, whose tops are covered 
with perpetual snow; the mount Taurus chain, commencing in the 
northeastern part of Turkey, where the Ararat rises into the region 
of perpetual snow, one branch terminating in Asia Minor, the other 
passing through Syria along the Mediterranean sea; and the Vindha 
1 and Gauts, in the middle and southern parts of Hindostan. 
i To the north of the Hirnmaleh mountains, is the elevated plain or 
I plateau called the Desert of Cobi, or Shamo. This is perhaps the 
highest plain on the globe. Here we find only salt lakes and small 
I rivers, which are lost in the mass of sand and gravel; some few 
I tracts of pasture, or stinted shrubs, are the only signs of vegetation. 

' The length of this plateau is about 900 miles, by 500 in width, and 
is equal in extent to one-fourth the territory of the United States, 

The principal rivers of Asia that flow into the southern seas are 
the following: The Yangtse Kiang, which rises in Thibet, has a 
course of 2281 miles, and empties into the Blue sea; the Hoang Ho, 

I which rises in Thibet, and has a course of 1984 miles to the Yellow 
j sea; the Irrawaddy, which rises in Thibet, and has a course of 
I 1798 miles to the bay of Bengal; the Ganges, which rises in the 
I Hirnmaleh mountains, and has a course of 1550 miles into the bay 
I of Bengal; the Burrampooter, which rises in the Hirnmaleh moun- 

Describe the central part of Asia. What three great ranges of mountains around Central 
Asia.’ Where have the principal rivers of Asia their source.^ What of the Hirnmaleh 
mountains!* Altaian chaiu.^ Belur Tag? Ural mountains? Caucasian? Mount Taurus'* ^ 
Vindha? Gauls? What of the Desert of Cobi.^ What principal rivers flow into the south¬ 
ern sca« of Asia? What of the Yangtse Kiang? moang Ilo? Irrawadd/^ Ganges' Bur 
rampootei'* 


23 





ASIA. 


«>66 

tains, and has a course of 1240 miles to its union with the Ganfres; 
the Indus, which rises in Thibet, and has a course of 1200 miles to 
the sea of Arabia; and the Euphrates, which rises in the north¬ 
eastern })art of Turkey in Asia, and has a course of 1147 miles to 
the Persian gulf. The principal tributary of the Euphrates is the 
Tigris. 

Of those rivers of Asia that empty into the northern seas, the 
principal are the Lena, which rises "in the mountains near lake 
Baikal, and has a course of 2071 miles to the Arctic ocean; the Obi, 
which rises in Chinese Tartary, and has a course of 2151 miles to 
the sea of Obi; the Yenisei, which rises in the Altai mountains, and 
has a course of 2108 miles to the Arctic ocean; the Amoor, or Sag- 
halien, which rises in Chinese Tartary, and has a course of 1823 
miles to the sea of Okotsk; and the Irtish, which rises in Chinese 
Tartary, and has a course of 1302 miles to its union with the Obi. 

Asia is remarkable f )r its lakes, which are generally salt, brackish, 
or sulphurous, and many of them with no outlets. The Caspian 
sea is an immense salt lake, being 646 miles long, from north to 
south, and 265 in its greatest breadth, and is in fact the largest lake 
in the world. Though it receives the Volga, the longest river in 
Europe, with many others, yet it is destitute of an outlet. The sea 
of Aral, beside many other smaller lakes in Asia, is salt, and pos¬ 
sesses no outlet. The lake Asphaltites, or Dead sea, a bituminous 
lake, beneath which it is supposed are the ruined cities of Sodom 
and Gomorrah, is situated in Turkey in Asia. 

255. ASIA. General View continued. 

The climate of Asia presents many curious phenomena. Owing 
to the immense masses of snow and ice, which accumulate in the 
great mountain ranges, the climate of many parts is rendered much 
colder than it would otherwise be. The great elevation of Central 
Asia, united with the preceding cause, renders those regions much 
colder than other countries in similar latitudes. In those parts of 
Tai tary which are situated in the same latitudes as France, the 
winter commences in the month of September, two months earlier 
than in the latter country; yet Arabia and Turkey are among the 
hottest countries on the globe, owing to the hot winds which 
corne'from the parched surface of Africa. Another remarkable cir- 
curnsr.ance is that Asia has no temperate zone. All its countries are 
either cold or hot, either presenting the stern climate and scanty 
vegetation of cold regions, or the enervating warmth and luxuriant 
fertility of torrid regions. 


Iinliis? Euphrates? Tigris? What principal rivers empty into the northern seas of Asia.^ 
What of the Lena? Obi? Yenisei? Amoor? Irtish? 

Here let the pupil amtoer queitions on Table No. 21, in the Atlas. 

What of lakes in Asia? Caspian sea? Aral? Asphaltites? 

255. What two causes render the climate of Asia colder than it would otherwise he^ 
What of the climate of Tartary? Of Aaoia and Turkey'* Has Asia any temperate xone? 



ASIA. 


267 


It is owm^ to this remarkable circumstance, that Asia presents 
such a marked contrast in its inhabitants. They may be divided 
into two great classes—the feeble and effeminate nations of the 
south, and the bolder and more warlike inhabitants of the north. 
These latter nations, occasionally bursting down from their sterile 
mountains and plains, have subjugated the less warlike inhabitants 
of the milder climates. Thus the history of Asia has for ages pre¬ 
sented a succession of revolutions, following each other with such 
rapidity as to render it difficult to keep pace with the march of 
events. 

The food of the southern inhabitants is rice and maize; that of 
the northern, millet and barley. On the borders of each we find 
countries of wheat. Nature produces in the southern regions 
delicious fruits, and in some parts the strongest and most pungent 
aromatics; but the north is deprived even of the orchard fruits of 
Europe and America, and a large space bordering upcrn the Arctic 
ocean, inhabited by the rein-deer, must ever remain inaccessible to 
cultivation. 

The Tartars, the Monguls, and apart of the Persians, led by 
the nature of their country to the keeping of great numbers of 
animals, imbibe a strong taste for horsemanship, and consequently 
become devoted to robbery and war. In the west, the camel is 
used for the transportation of goods from one country to another. 
China, deprived in a great measure of beasts of burden, has con¬ 
nected all the difierent parts of the country by means of canals. 
The want of wood obliges the inhabitants of the central plateau 
and Arabia to live in tents. On the contrary, in India, and other 
countries abounding in wood, particularly in the palm, the indolent 
inhabitants construct their buildings in the slightest manner, often 
with branches covered only with leaves. Thus the towns of Asia 
appear and disappear like the empires of which they are the 
momentary centres. 

A wandering and patriarchal life is clearly pointed out by nature 
to many Asiatic nations. While its immense plains are incapable of 
cultivation, they are yet well adapted to pasturage. The unlimited 
authority of a father of a family among these people, necessarily 
becomes the pattern for government, and despotic systems are con¬ 
sequently adopted. In some other parts of Asia, the uniform 
fertility of the soil, and constant mildness of the climate, in recom¬ 
pensing too rapidly the most trifling labor, have stifled almost in its 
birth the energy of the human mind, which requires to be stimulat- 

Into what two classes may the inhabitants of Asia be divided? What of the bolder inhabitants ' 
of the north? What has the history of Asia presented for ages? What of food in the north 
of Asia? In the south? Productions of the south of Asia? Fruits of the north of Asia? 
What Asiatic nations are devoted to robbery and war? What of the camel? What of China? 
Why do the Tartars and Arabs live in tents? What of the inhabitants of India? What of 
the towns in Asia? What kind of government have the wandering tribes of Asia? What 
leads them to form despotic governments? What effect has the fertility of the soil aud the 
BiiUiuess of the climate iu some parts of Asia produced? 





^68 


NORTHWESTERN OOEANICA. 


ed by want and obstacles. Both these modes of living are productive 
of a mental and bodily inactivity, which becomes hereditary, and 
apj)ears to stamp the races of Asia with a general inferiority in 
energy and courage. 

The most remarkable feature in the moral condition of Asia is 
presented by its superstitions. In the Russian possessions, the 
Greek religion makes a slow and feeble progress; while Mahome¬ 



tanism and Paganism, in various forms, flourish in all other parts 
of this grand division of the globe. Christianity, which here had 
its origin, is exiled to other climes, and a lying prophet and juggling 
priests stretch their dark dominion over the millions that inhabit it. 
The engraving represents the Asiatics as rejecting Christianity. 


256. NDRTHWESTERN OCEANICA. ASIATIC 

ISLANDS. 

Maps of Pacific Ocean, Asia, and the World. Where is the island of Sumatra? Direction 
of the following islands from Sumatra? Java? Borneo^ Celebes? Gilolo? Ceram? Am- 
boyna? Banda? Luzon? Mindanao? Which of these islands lie under the equator? What 
straits sepaiate Sumatra from Asia? What straits between Celebes and Borneo? Between 
Sumatra and Java? What sea between the Philippine isles and China? What sea between 
Celebes and the Philippine isles? 

In which direction is Java from Niphon? From Turkey in Asia? From England? From 
Egypt? From Boston? How many degrees of longitude is Java west of Boston? How 
many degrees east of Greenwich? What countries in America are in the same latitude as 
Java? What countries in Africa and America in the same latitude as the Philippine isles? In 
what direction is Borneo from the cape of Good Hope? From cape Horn? 

Which is the most northern of the Asiatic islands? Which the most southern^ Which 
the most western? Where is Bencoplen? Batavia? The town of Borneoi* Macassar^ 
Manilla? 


Are the inhabitants of Asia generally inferior in energy and courage? What are the causes 
of this inferiority? What of religion in the Russian possessions' What of Mahometanism? 
paganism? Cluistianitv? Describe the picture. 



















NORTHWESTERN OCEANIOA, 


269 


«57. NORTHWESTERN OCEANICA, continued. 

On the eastern border of Asia are a number of extensive and 
populous islands, scattered in the Pacific ocean, which pass under 
the general title of Asiatic islands, or Northwestern Oceanica. 
The most important of these islands are Sumatra, Java, and 
Borneo, called Sunda isles, the Philippine islands, and the Moluccas 
or Spice islands. 

The Sunda isles are Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. Sumatra is in 
extent about equal to New England and the Middle States; it has 
a population of 4,000,000, one-third of that of the United States. 
A range of mountains runs through the island near the western 
coast. The highest peak, mount Ophir, lies directly under the 
equator. The climate is cool, notwithstanding its situation; the 
western coast is low and sickly. The principal productions are 
rice, pepper, cotton, camphor, and ratan. The wild animals are 



the elephant, rhinoceros, black bear, otter, and wild boar. Birds 
of beautiful plumage are abundant. The country is divided into 
several petty kingdoms; the interior is inhabited by a race of canni¬ 
bals; the coast is possessed by Malays. The governments are 
generally hereditary despotisms; the religion is pagan. Bencoolen 
belongs to the English, and is the only European settlement. The 
picture represents a scene in Sumatra. 

Java is in extent somewhat larger than the state of New York, 
and has a population about equal to Sumatra. A range of moun¬ 
tains runs through the island from east to west. Many of the sum¬ 
mits are volcanic. The climate in many parts is extremely sickly; 
the soil is fertile, and produces rice, sugar, pepper, and coffee, 

257. Wlicre are the Asiatic islands situated? Natiie the most iiiiportaiif of them. Which 
we called the Sunda id^.i* What of Sumatra? Mountains? Climate? Productions? Aai- 
mals.^ Inhabitants? What of Bencoolen? Describe the picture. What of Java? 

23* 










270 


NORTHWESTERN OOEANICA. 


which are extensively exported to various parts of the world. The 
inhabitants are the original Javanese, and Malays, who are of the 
Mahometan religion. The Javanese are indolent, superstitious, and 
dull of understanding, hut remarkable for candor and veracity. Ba¬ 
tavia, founded by the Dutch, is the chief town, and has many edi¬ 
fices in the European fashion. 

Borneo is the largest island on tlie globe, with the exception of 
New Holland, and is three times as extensive as the four Middle 
States. Its population is reckoned at 3,000,000. The face of the 
country on the coast, and for some distance inland, is low and 
marshy; the interior is partly mountainous. The climate is un¬ 
healthy. Earthquakes are frequent. The island has several con¬ 
siderable rivers. The productions are rice, pepper, camphor, and 
the fruit trees of India. Diamonds of great value are found here. 
The bird of paradise is common, also monkeys of the largest kind, 
and the ourang outang, which so strongly resembles the human 
species. The inhabitants of the coast are Malays, Javanese, and 
Biigis, or natives of Celebes, all of the Mahometan religion. The 
interior of the country is divided among independent tribes; the 
government is despotic. Borneo, on the west part of the island, is 
the chief town and capital. 

The Philippine isles are said to be 1200 in number, and more 
than 500 of them are of some importance. These islands abound 
in marshes, mossy ground, and lakes. Mountains rise to some 
height, and several of them are volcanic. Earthquakes are fre¬ 
quent. The productions are rice, cotton, tobacco, coffee, and trop¬ 
ical fruits. The mountains are rich in gold and other minerals. 
These islands belong to Spain. The poi)ulation is 3,000,000. 
The principal islands are occupied by independent tribes. Luzon 
is as extensive as New England. Manilla, a Spanish settlement in 
Luzon, is the largest town. 

The principal of the Moluccas, or Spice islands, are Celebes, 
Gilolo, Ceram, Arhboyna, and Banda. They contain several vol-. 
canoes. Enormous peaks, projecting abruptly from the surface of 
the deep, and rocks, ])iled up to immense elevations, show that these 
islands have been formed by some convulsion of nature. Earth¬ 
quakes, which are here frequent and dreadful, render the navigation 
dangerous; not a year passes without the formation of new sand¬ 
banks, and the disappearance of old ones. 

Celebes, the largest of these islands, is somewhat less in extent 
than the four Middle States. The shores are described as present¬ 
ing charming landscapes. The productions are rice, cotton, pepper, 
cloves, and nutmegs. This island also, as well as Java, produces 
the celebrated upas tree, which affords the most deadly vegetable 
poison that is known. The natives dip their arrows in its juice, 


Inhabitants? Chief town? What of Borneo? Inhabitants^ Chief town? IVhat of the 
Philippine isles? Moluccas? What of Celebes? 



OENTR-^L OOEANICA. 


271 


which renJers^ them very fatal. The inhabitants of Celebes are 
active, industrious, and robust, by an austere education. The peo¬ 
ple are madly devoted to games" of chance. The women mingle 
freely in all the affairs of life, and they are sometimes elevated °to 
1 high political stations. The population is 3,000,000; the religion 
is Mahometan; the government is monarchical, but the sovereign 
is not despotic. He is elected by a number of hereditary chiefs, 
who are his counsellors, and in their name he administers the gov¬ 
ernment. The chief town is Macassar. 

Gilolo is a large island, and produces sago, formed from the pith 
- of trees, one tree sometimes producing 600 pounds. It also pro¬ 
duces the bread-fruit-tree which yields a substance, of which the 
inhabitants make bread, resembling that made of the finest wheat. 
It is much esteemed in these climates, and constitutes an important 
article of food. Ceram is the most distinguished for yielding sago. 
Amboyna is particularly celebrated for its cloves, which grow l^n 
trees 40 or 50 feet high, and are gathered twice a year. Amboyna, 
a Dutch settlement, is the chief town and capital. The Banda 
isles, ten in number, celebrated for producing great quantities of 
nutmegs, are of volcanic origin, and considered very unhealthy. 

The Moluccas are valuable for the abundance of their rich pro¬ 
ductions. The amount of cloves, nutmegs, and other articles, fur¬ 
nished by them, is prodigious; and there has been much contention 
among the European powers respecting the possession of them. 
They belong at present to th#Dutch. 

258. CENTRAL OCEANICA. AUSTRALASIA. 

Map of Pcunjlc Orean, Map of the World. Where is New Holland? In which direction 
[ n New Guiniea from New Holland? Van Diemen’s land from New Holland? New Britain 
from New Holland? New Ireland from New Holland? Solomon’s isles from New Holland? 
Louisiade from New Holland? New Caledonia from New Holland? New Hebrides from 
New Holland? New Zealand from New Holland? 

In which direction is New Zealand from New England? From cape Horn? Cape of 
Good Hope? From England? What countries in Africa and America are in the same lati¬ 
tude as New Holland? What capes in New Holland? What straits between New Holland 
and New Guinea? Between New Holland and Van Diemen’s land? What gulf in New 
Holland? Where is Botany bay? New South Wales? Sydney? Edel’s land? De Witt’s 
land? Napoleon’s lajid? What river in New Holland? 


259. CENTRAL OCEANICA, continued. 

New Holland, and numerous islands around it, are grouped un- 
I der the general division of Central Oceanica, or Australasia. 
The most important of these islands, after New Holland, are Van 
Diemen’s land, New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, Solomon’s 
isles, Louisiade, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, and New Zea¬ 
land. 


luhiibitants? Government? What of Gilolo? What two useful trees does it produce? 
What of Ceram? Amboyna? The Banda isles? For what are the Moluccas valuable? To 
who«) do they belong? 

269. What are the most rmportanl islands of Central Oceanica? 







272 


CENTRAL OCEANICA. 


New Holland is by far the larg^est island in the world; its extent 
in nearly equal to the whole of Europe, and is one half laro-er than 
the United States. The face of the country, on the coast, is ex¬ 
tremely diversified. A chain of mountains runs parallel with the 
eastern coast. None of the rivers have the appearance of a long 
course. Hawkesbury river, which is navigable for 140 miles, is the 
principal. It falls into the sea at Broken bay, near port Jackson. 
It is subject to inundations, which occasion immense destruction of 
crops. 

The seasons of New Holland correspond with those of the 
south of Africa and America. The native productions which fur¬ 
nish food for man, are very few, but the various kinds of grain, 
fruit, and vegetables, which grow in England, have been introduced, 
and yield abundantly, Among the animals peculiar to the island is 
the kangaroo, which is said to leap 30 yards at a single bound. 
Among the birds is the emeu, whose body is as large as that of the 



ostrich, and it is of the same species. In the Hawkesbury river, 
swans are found of a glos.sy black, possessing all the graceful 
elegance of figure, which belongs to the white swan. 

An English colony was established on the eastern part of Botany 
Bay in 1783, but soon after, the settlement was removed to Port 
Jackson, 12 miles north. To this colony, great numbers of crimi¬ 
nals have been banished from Great Britain. It is flourishing, and 
many of the exiles have become virtuous and respectable citizens. 
Sidney is the chief town and capital. 

The original inhabitants have been represented as nearly black, 
with woolly hair, of low stature, and ill shaped. They have been 
described as the most brutal, dull, and degraded of the human 


What is the largest island in the world? Extent of New Holland? What of Hawkesbury 
river? Seasons in New Holland? Productions? Animals? Describe the picture. Wh^ 
of the English colony in New Holland? How have the inhabitants been represented? 











CENTRAL OOEANICA. 


27?5 

family. It has been said that they have no relig^ious notions of any 
kind, nor scarcely any idea of a future state. 

There is reason to believe, however, that these representations 
are to a great extent untrue. Mr. Dawson, a British agent, who 
ha(l ample opportunities of studying their character, gives a very 
diderent account of them. He says that they are a naturally mild 
and harmless race of savages, and the best natured people in the 
world. 

! They live, according to his account, in small tribes, and though 
1 they have no settled hahitations, yet one tribe generally remains in 
' a particular district. They have no king nor chief, but have cer- 
l tain customs and ceremonies, which appear to be common to all the 
: tribes. They occasionally meet in large bodies to inflict punishments. 

' This is done by making the culf)rit stand on his defence with a tar- 
1 get in his hand, while such of the multitude as please, hurl spears 
1 at him. 

The women perform all the drudgery of the family. They are 
remarkably fond of their children. If the parents die, the children 
are adopted by the unmarried men and women, and are taken the 
greatest care of. They are kind and generous to each other; if 
one of them receives a gift, he shares it with the first person he 
I meets. A man never eats any thing given him, till he has first 
I presented a part to his wife, and the other women around him. 
They go entirely naked, and have woolly beards which they rub 
off with sticks. Their hair is not woolly, but long and lank. 
They build temporary huts, in a neat manner, of poles and twigs. 

Van Diemen’s land is a large and fertile island, whose inhabitants 
) resemble those of New Holland. The British have a flourishing 
: settlement at Hobart town. Of New Guinea little is known. It 
I is very extensive, and in the possession of a people described by 
I travellers as in the lowest rank of intellectual and moral character. 

Their descri})tion cannot be read without disgust. They appear to 
I be of the same race as the New Hollanders, and probably injustice 
has been done to these islanders, as to the natives of New Holland. 
New Britain and New Ireland have a fertile soil, with inhabitants 
resembling those of the adjacent islands. The inhabitants of New 
Ireland are said to be warlike, and to possess canoes 80 feet in 
, length, each of which is made of a single tree. 

The archipelago of Louisiade, formerly supposed to be a single 
island, consists of a number of islands of different sizes, inhabited 
by a rude and warlike people. The Solomon’s isles are supposed to 
be 18 in number. They are populous, fertile, and healthy. New 
Caledonia is barren and little known. New Hebrides consists of 
numerous clusters of islands, which are mountainous, but fruitful. 


What does Mr. Dawsou sav of Iheinf What of Van Diemen’s land? New Guinea? New 
Britain? Newlrelaml? Inhabitants of New Ireland? What of Louisiade? Solomon’s isles? 
JUw Qakdonia? 





274 


EASTERN OCEANICA. 


and inhabited by a civil and hospitabxe peopie. New Zed^ana con¬ 
sists of two isla'nds separated by Cook’s straits, which are 12 or 15 
miles wide. Almost the whole of the northern island is well fitted 
for cultivation. The climate is mild and salubrious. The inhabi¬ 
tants are said to be tall, sag-acious, and intelligent, but warlike and 
ferocious. The government of the aborigines is despotic. Several 
missionary stations have been established, and the success of the 
missionaries, notwithstanding the discouragements, has been con¬ 
siderable. 

260. EASTERN OCEANICA. POLYNESIA. 

Mnp of Pacifc Orean, Map of the World, In which direction are the following islands 
from lloston? Sandwich islandsf Ladrones? Carolinas? Navigators’? Friendly? Society? 
Marquesas? Easter island? Which is the most northern of these groups? The most eastern? 
Tlie most southern? The most western? What islands in the Atlantic are in the same lati¬ 
tude as the Sandwich islands? What island in the Indian ocean in the same latitude as 
Otaheite? 


261. EASTERN OCEANICA, continued. 

Eastern Oceanica, or Polynesia, a term signifying many islands, 
embraces various groups occupying the central parts of the Pacific 
ocean. The principal are the Sandwich, Ladrones, Pelew, Caro¬ 
line, Navigators’, Society, Friendly, and Marquesas islands, and 
Easter island. 

Tlie Sandwich islands are ten in number, and are the most north¬ 
ern of the islands of Oceanica. Owhyhee, now called Hawaii, is 
the largest of this group, and indeed the largest in Eastern Ocean¬ 
ica, being in extent about equal to Connecticut and Rhode Island. 
On this island Capt. Cook, a celebrated navigator, was killed by the 
natives. It has several mountains of great elevation. Kirauea is 
a frightful volcano, whose upjier crater is estimated at seven and a 
half miles in circumference, and 1,000 feet deep. The American 
missionaries lately counted 51 craters of different sizes, 21 of which 
were in a state of activity. 

The climate of these islands is similar to that of the West Indies, 
being in the same latitude; they are however somewhat more tem¬ 
perate. The productions are bread-fruit, sugar-cane, cocoa-nuts, 
and sweet potatoes. The population is estimated at 130,000. The 
inhabitants, though marked with the vices of the savage state, are 
naturally mild, afectionate, and docile. Their government is mon¬ 
archical and despotic. In 1819, they renounced their idolatry, and 
burned their idols. Several of the natives, having been educated 
in the United States, have returned to these islands in company 
with American missionaries. The labors of these missionaries 
have been attended with signal success, and the hope may be in¬ 
dulged that the inhabitants may, at no remote period, be ranked 


New Zealand? Inhabitants? Missionary stations? 

261. Principal islands of Eastern Oceanica? What of the Sandwich islands? Owhyhee^ 
What of Kirauea^ Climate of the southern isles? Productions? Inhabitants? Missionawes? 





EASTERN OOEANICA. 


275 


$ 


among civilized and Christian nations. The picture exhibits some 
of the youth listening to a missionary. 

The Ladrones are 16 in number, and are sometimes called the 
Isles of Robbers, being inhabited by a peo})le given to piracy. The 
climate is mild and healthful, though subject to hurricanes. The 
people are said to possess boats constructed with such skill, that, 
with a side wind, they will sail 20 miles an hour. 

Of the Caroline isles little is known. Their number is supposed 
to be from 30 to 80. Their climate is agreeable, and the soil in 
general fertile. They are very populous, and the inhabitants are 
said to resemble those of the Philipjune islands. They have nei¬ 
ther temples, nor idols, nor the least appearance of religious wor¬ 
ship. The government is monarchical. 

The Pelew islands are 18 in number. They are frequently visit¬ 
ed by ships for refreshment. The inhabitants are represented as 
an amiable, gay, and hospitable people, living principally upon 
fish, though bread-fruit and cocoa seem to be produced in abun¬ 
dance. 

The Navigators’ islands are ten in number, and are so called 
from the skill of the inhabitants in managing their canoes. They 
consist of high lands, which are fertile, and in a high degree pro¬ 
ductive. The people are ingenious and industrious, but very fero¬ 
cious. 

Of the Friendly islands there are 150. They are in general fer¬ 
tile and productive. The population is supposed to be 200,000. 
From the apparent hospitality and kindness of the natives, Capt. 
Cook gave to these islands the name they bear, but subsequent 
visiters represent them as cruel and ferocious. Of these islands, 
Tongataboo is the largest, being 60 miles in circumference. The 



Describe Ihc picture. What of the Ladrones'* Carolines’* Felewi* Navigators’' Friendlv^ - 




276 


OCEANICA. 


inhabitants of this island sacrifice human victims in their fdolatVous 
worship, and, it is said, practise cannibalism. 

The Marquesas are five in number; their climate and products 
are the same as those of the Society islands. The population is 
conjectured to be about 50,000. The inhabitants are said to sur¬ 
pass all others in this sea, in symmetry of form and regularity of 
features. 

The Society islands are 60 or 70 in number. Otaheite, the 
largest, is about the size of Rhode Island. All the vegetable spe¬ 
cies peculiar to Oceanica grow in Otaheite in abundance, and are 
of the best quality. The inhabitants are of a pale mahogany 
color, with fine black hair and black eyes. They are mild, affable 
and polite. In 1815, the inhabitants of several of these islands re¬ 
nounced idolatry, and embraced Christianity. Since the settlement 
of the British missionaries among them, their mode of building has 
been much improved. The government is an hereditary monarchy, 
which, in 1819, was modelled after the English constitution, and a 
code of laws was then for the first time established. 

Southeast of this cluster is Pitcairn’s island, a small island settled 
by the mutineers of the English ship Bounty. Their descendants 
are an amiable and interesting people, but it is said that a part of 
them have abandoned the island, and have gone to Otaheite. 

Easter island is the most eastern island in Oceanica. It is small, 
and has perhaps 1500 inhabitants, who are represented as a thievish 
race. The surface of the island is mountainous, and some of the 
peaks may be seen at the distance of 45 miles. 

262. OCEANICA. General View. 

Map of Pacific Ocean. How many degrees of longitude between the most eastern and 
most western islands of Oceanica? How many degrees between the most northern and most 
southern? Which is the largest of these islands? Which the next largest? Which the tliird 
in size? Which resembles the figure of a boot? Which is about the size of Europe? 

263. OCEANICA. General View, continued. 

Having taken a brief view of the several islands which are 
scattered throughout the Pacific ocean, let us now take a general 
survey of the whole. The islands to which Malte-Brun gives the 
appropriate title of Oceanica, extend over a space of 8,000 miles, 
from the eastern to the western extremity. 

Twenty of these islands are extensive countries, and one of them 
IS about equal in extent to Europe. The whole surface of the 
islands may be estimated at from 4 to 5,000,000 of square miles, an 
extent perhaps nearly equal to one-tenth part of all the land on the 
globe. The population may be estimated at 20,000,000. No por¬ 
tion of the globe has more numerous inequalities of surface, and it 


Marquesas? Society? What of Otaheite? Inhabitants? Government? What of Pitcairn’s 
island? Easter island? 

2(>3. Extent of Oceanica? Population? 




OCEANICA. 


277 


IS remarkable that the mountain ranges have all a general direction 
from north to soath. Many of these mountains are volcanic, and 
are described by navigators as ollen seeming to the mariner to rise 
like giants from the bosom of the deep. In no part of the world 
are there so many volcanoes. In Schouten’s islands, near New 
Guinea, the flames and smoke rise calmly over a fruitful and smiling 
country; in other islands, dreadful torrents of black lava darken the 
shores. The volcano of Gilolo broke out in 1673 with a violence 
which made the whole of the Moluccas shake. The ashes were 
carried as far as Magindanao, and the scoria and the pumice stones, 
floating on the sea, seemed to retard the progress of vessels. 

The formation of many of these islands is attributed to the 
O})eration of minute insects. All the low islands seem to have for 
their base a reef of coral rocks, generally dis])Osed in a circular 
form. In the interior, the sand is mixed with pieces of broken 
coral, and other marine substances, proving that such islands have 
been originally formed by these coral rocks, Avhich are inhabited, 
and, according to some, created, by zoophites, and afterwards 
augmented and elevated by the slow accumulation of light bodies 
drifted to them by the sea. It is very remarkable that, in some of 
these islands, there are elevations of several hundred ieet in height, 
on whose summits these coral rocks are found; this seems to prove 
that they have been formed by these coral insects at the level of 
the sea, which has gradually retired and left them exposed. 

The climate throughout Oceanicais, for the most])art, delightful. 
Perpetual spring, combined with perpetual summer, displays the 
opening blossom, mingled with the ripened fruits. A perfume of 
exquisite sweetness embalms the atmosphere, which is continually 
refreshed by the wholesome breezes from the sea. Here might 



What is remarkable concerning the mountains in Oceanica? Volcanoes? Describe t'rre 
supposed formation of the islands of Oceanicaf Climate of Oceanica* Describe the pic 
ture. 


24 









278 


OCEANICA. 


mankind, if they could throw off their vices, lead lives exempt from 
trouble and from want. Their bread grows on the trees which 
shade their lawns, and the light barks glide on the tranquil seas, 
protected from the swelling surge by the coral reefs which enclose 
them. 

In many of these islands, rice takes the place of wheat. In 
Polynesia, there are several very useful esculent plants, which 
grow either spontaneously or under the influence of culture—the 
potato, yam, and two species of arum, from which, by boiling, a 
sweet, farinaceous substance is obtained. Two orders of trees are 
spread over many of the islands of Oceanica, which delight both 
the eye and the taste. The first is the palm. This is one of the 
most beautiful and majestic of trees, yet its beauty is its least merit. 
The external layers of the trunk furnish a hard and heavy wood, 
which may be formed into planks and stakes. The shell of the 
fruit is made into small culinary vessels. The large leaves are 
employed in roofing wigwams and cottages. The leaves of some 
palms are used for fans, others for writing on, and others for para¬ 
sols so large as to cover ten people. Various uses are made of the 
cocoa-nut, which is a s]>ecies of palm. The sweet and pulpy sub¬ 
stance enclosed in the shell is dressed in a variety of forms. Wine, 
vinegar, and alcohol are made of the milky liquid. From the same 
fruit a good oil is procured. 

Another family of nutritious trees enjoyed by the Oceanians is ' 
that of the bread-fruit-tree. This tree rises to the height of forty 
feet, and its trunk acquires the thickness of a man’s body. The 
fruit is as large as a child’s head. Gathered before it is fully ripe, 
and baked among ashes, it becomes a wholesome bread, resembling 
fresh wheat bread in taste. Three of these trees will suj)port a 
man for a year. The inner bark of the same tree is manufactured 
into a kind of cloth, its leaves are used for napkins, its glutinous 
and milky juice furnishes a good cement and glue, and its wood is 
employed in building cottages and canoes. Besides these useful 
productions, Oceanica furnishes the rarest and richest fruits and 
plants. Among the fruits, we may enumerate oranges, pomegran¬ 
ates, tamarinds, and various kinds of almonds; among the aromatic ' 
productions are pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmegs. From the 
inner bark of the nutmeg-tree, mace is procured. Among the 
flowering shrubs are a profusion of those which are distinguished 
for the brilliancy of their colors, and the grace of their forms. 

The animal kingdom of Oceanica affords no specimen of the 
great quadrupeds common to Africa and Asia. It however possess¬ 
es several species which are not found in other parts of the world. 
The kangaroo, cassowary, emeu, and black swan, are inhabitants 
of these islands alone. Of the feathered race, remarkable lor the 
brilliancy and beauty of their plumage, the number is prodigious; 

VVha* of plants? Trees? Describe the use* of the palm. Of the bread-fruit-Uee? What 
of fruits aud plants^ Auimal kingdom? 







OCEANICA. 


279 


and, sporting amid the spicy groves of these favored regions, flocks 
of parrots, macaws, birds of j)aradise, and others, which yet are 
without names, give an aspect of enchantment to the scene. 

It is painful to turn from these beautiful exhibitions of nature to 
the degraded people, on whom so many rich gifts have been lavish¬ 
ed. For the most part, they are savages, displaying all the mean, 
degrading characteristics, with few of the nobler qualities, which be¬ 
long to savage life. Their history we cannot penetrate, but there 
is reason to believe that they have remained for ages in their pres¬ 
ent state. They are evidently possessed of no art, no knowledge, 
nor religion, t/hich can raise them above their debased condition. 
The only hope that is offered, is, that Christianity may yet be dif¬ 
fused among them, and scatter the brooding darkness, which now 
hangs over their moral condition. 

The inhabitants of Oceanica are jeferred to two stocks—the 
Malays, or yellow Oceanians, and the Oceanian negroes. The 
Malays are of a tawny comjffexion, have scanty beards, and al¬ 
ways long, lank, black hair. 'J'heir persons are short, squat, and 
robust. The inhabitants of Northwestern and Eastern Oceani¬ 
ca are of this race. The Oceanian negroes are not black like the 
African negroes. They have spare, puny frames, and thin hair 
which grows in small tufts. Their height is about four feet nine 
inches, and never more than five feet and a hall’. This is called the 
Papuan race, from New Guinea, Avhich has also the name of Papua. 
They occupy the principal islands in Central Oceanica. They 
have been represented as an inferior race, and, both in intellectual 
and moral character, seeming to be below all others. When en¬ 
countered by the fairer races, they have always retreated, and shown 
themselves incapable of maintaining their ground. 


Describe the inhabitants. To what two stocks are they referred? What of the Malays? 
Negroes? Why are the negroes called the Papuan race? How do they contrast with the faiier 
races? 



GENERAL VIEW OF THE WORLD 


264. Divisions of Land and Water. 

When we cast our eyes over a map of 
the world, we perceive that the siirlace of 
the globe is divided into large masses of 
land, which we call Continents, and great 
cavities filled with water, which we term 
Seas. In the parts covered with water, 
we observe small masses of land, whose 
surfaces rise above it, which we name 
Islands. On the continents we observe 
small detached spots covered with water, 
which we call Lakes. An island differs 
from a continent only in dimensions. 

Many portions of land and sea extend 
eciprocally the one into the other. If the 
sea penetrate into the interior of a conti¬ 
nent, it forms an inland sea, as the Medi¬ 
terranean. If the extent of such seas be 
less, and the opening larger, they are call¬ 
ed Gulfs or Bays. The still smaller por¬ 
tions of the sea, nearly surrounded by 
laud, and which affords shelter for ships, 
are called Ports, Creeks, or Roads. 

If parts of the continent shoot into the 
seas, and are connected with the main 
land by only a small portion of their cir¬ 
cumference, they are called Peninsulas. 
If tlie projections of the land reach but a 
little way into the sea, they are called 
Capes, Promontories, or Points. A natu¬ 
ral canal, communicating with the sea at 
both ends, and confined by t>vo opposite 
shores, is called a Strait. An Isthmus is 
a tongue of land running between two 
seas, by which two great masses of land 
are united. 

2tJ5. Continents. Five Grand Divi¬ 
sions. 

There are but two continents on the 
globe, the eastern and western. The east¬ 
ern is called the old world ; the western, 
the new world, in reference to its late 
discovery by the Europeans. The various 
parts of the land on the earth we have 
considered under five grand divisions, 
America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Ocean- 
ica. The extent of these various por¬ 
tions of the earth will be found in the 
atlas. 

266. Islands. 

A comparative view of the principal is¬ 
lands will be found in the atlas. 

267. Peninsulas. 

The following are the principal penin¬ 
sulas:—Greenland, I/abrador, Nova Sco¬ 
tia, Cayie Cod, Michigan, Florida, Viica- 
tan, Alaska, California, New Jersey, South 
America, Norway and Sweden, Spain and 
Portugal, Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Morea, 
Crimea, Kamtschatka, Corea, Malacca, 
Uindoostan, Arabia,, Turkey in Asia. 


268. Isthmuses. 

Darien, Suez, and Corinth, are the most 
remarkable isthmuses. 

269. Capes. 

The most remarkable capes in the world 
are the following :—Cape Horn, St. Roque, 
Blanco, Cod, Verd, Good Hope, Gardafui, 
North, Comorin, Taymour. 

270. Oceans. 

There is, properly speaking, but one 
sea, one continuous fluid, spread around 
our globe. This probably extends from 
one pole to the other, and covers two- 
thirds of the surface of the earth. Alt the 
gulls, seas, and bays, form portions de¬ 
tached, but not separated from that uni¬ 
versal sea, which we call the ocean. But 
for the sake of greater convenience, we 
designate the different parts of the ocean 
by different names. Tlie five oceans are 
the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Northern, 
and Southern. The dimeitsions of these 
oceans will be found in the atlas. 

271. Seas. 

The principal seas are the following:— 
Chinese, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Ok¬ 
hotsk, Celebes and Corea, Black, North, 
Red, Baltic, White, Azof, Marmora, and 
Irish 

272. Lakes. 

A view of the principtil lakes will be 
found on the comparative chart in the 
atlas. 

273. Bats. 

The following are the principal bays :— 
Bafiin’s, Hudson’s, James’s, Fundyj Pas- 
samaquoddy, Machias, Penobscot, Casco, 
Massachusetts, Buzzard’s, Narragansett, 
Delaware, Chesapeake, Campeachy, Hon¬ 
duras, Bristol, All Saints, Cardigan, Don¬ 
egal, Galway, Biscay, Bengal, Walwich, 
Fable, False, Angola, Natal, Saldanha, 
and Botany. 

274. Gulfs. 

The following are the principal gulfs: 
-—St. Lawrence, Mexico, Amatique, Da¬ 
rien, California, Panama, Guayaquil, St. 
George, Bothnia, Finland, Riga, Genoa, 
Naples, Taranto, Venice, Salonica, Per¬ 
sian, Ormus, Siam, Tonquin, Corea, Obi, 
Guinea. 

275. Straits. 

The principal straits are the follow¬ 
ing:—Davis’s, Hudson’s, Belle Isle, Mich- 
ilimackinac, Behring’s, Magellan, Skager- 
Rack, Cattegat, Dover, Gibraltar, Bonifa¬ 
cio, Messina, Dardanmles, Constantino¬ 
ple, English, St. George, North, Babel- 
mandel, Orrnns, Mozambique, Siinda, Ma¬ 
lacca, Endeavour, Bnss’g, Dampier, and’ 
Cook’s 


GENERAL VIEW OF THE WORLD 


281 


276. Sounds. 

The following are the principal sounds : 
•—Long Island, Albennarle, Pamlico, 
Prince William’s, Queen Charlotte’s, and 
Nootka. 

277. Mountains. 

Mountains, in their exterior forms, ex¬ 
hibit some varieties, which strike the most 
inattentive observer. The highest moun¬ 
tains most frequently present a surface of 
naked rock. In some places they shoot 
up in the form of enormous crystals with 
sharp angles. Sometimes there appears 
an immense, steep, and abrupt surface, 
which seems to lay open to view the bow¬ 
els of the mountain itself. These appear¬ 
ances are described under the names of 
needles, peaks, &c. There are other 
mountains, the tops of which present cir¬ 
cular outlines, which give them an air of 
tranquillity. The mountains of New Eng¬ 
land and the Appalachian chain, general¬ 
ly are of this character. Some mountains 
rise in majestic and regular gradations, 
like a vast amphitheatre; others present 
a large mass cut perpendicularly in the 
form of an altar, like the Table Mountain 
at the Cape of Good Hope. There are 
mountains in China, which resemble the 
heads of dragons, tigers and bears. In 
either places, there are labyrinths of rocks, 
which rise in the form of pillars. In the 
south-eastern part of France, there is a 
mountain in a single mass in the form 
of a large nine pin. In another part of 
France, there are mountains, which are 
described as resembling the old fashioned 
frizzled wigs. In short, the varieties in 
the forms of mountains, as described by 
travellers, seem to be almost infinite. 
Some of them are highly picturesque and 
beautiful, and fill the mind of the behold¬ 
er only with pleasing emotions. Others 
are lofty, rugged, and sublime, and awak¬ 
en feelings of awe and astonishment. 

The utility of mountains is very great. 
They attract the clouds and vapors, which 
become condensed by cold, and fall in the 
shape of snow and rain, thus giving birth 
to innumerable streams, which descend 
and spread fertility and beauty over the 
surface of the earth. 

The longest range of mountains in the 
world is the American range, 11,000 miles. 
7'he longest range in Asia is the Altaian 
range, .5,000 miles. The longest ranges in 
Africa are the mountains of the Moon, 
2,000, and the Atlas range, 1,500 miles. 
7’he longest range in Ruro|)e is the Ural 
range, 1,500. The Dofrafield range is 
1,0()0 miles ; the Carpathian, 500 ; the Al¬ 
leghany, 900 ; the Green Mountains, 350 ; 
the Alps and Appennines, 700 ; the Pyre¬ 
nees, 200. 

278. Volcanoes and Earthquakes. 

Volcanoes are those mountains which 
vomit forth flames, smoke, and torrents 
of melted matter. The cliiinuey, through 
24* 


which the smoke and lava issue, termi¬ 
nates in a vast cavity called the crater 
The number of volcanoes that h.ave been 
discovered amounts to several hundred ; 
some of these are extinguished, others are 
in constant activity, and others still are 
periodically inflamed. The most cele¬ 
brated volcanoes in the world are Mount 
Etna, Heckla, Cotopaxi, and Vesuvius. 

Earthquakes are supposed to be inti¬ 
mately connected with volcanoes, and 
usually take place in volcanic countries. 
There have been frequent earthquakes 
near the borders of the Mediterranean Sea, 
and around the Gulf of Mexico. These 
dreadful phenomena often change the sur¬ 
face of a country, so that it is difficult 
to recognise it. During the convulsion, 
enormous gaps in the earth appear to dis¬ 
close to the living the empire of the dead ; 
these fissures emit blue flames and deadly 
vapors. Vineyards descend from their 
heights, and settle in the midst of fields 
of corn 5 farms and gardens quit their 
places and become attached to distant vil¬ 
lages ; towns are shaken down, villages 
are swallowed up, mountains sink into 
valleys, lakes disappear, and rocks and is¬ 
lands rear their wet summits from the bo¬ 
som of the foaming sea. 

279. Valleys. 

Valleys are formed by the separation of 
chains of mountains or hills. Those which 
lie between ranges of high mountains are 
generally narrow. Valleys collect the 
waters which descend from the moun¬ 
tains, and pour them into the rivers. 
There are some valleys situated in elevat¬ 
ed regions, having rivers and lakes with 
no outlets. Such is tlie valley which sur¬ 
rounds Lake Titicaca, in South America. 
Central Asia abounds in these valleys. 

280. Plains. 

Plains are of two kinds, high and low 
Those of Mexico, Peru, and Central Asia, 
are of the former kind, and are generally 
surrounded by a bulwark of mountains, 
which supports them. The plains of Mex¬ 
ico are from 6 to 8,000 feet high ; those of 
Quito are 12,000. Some of those in Chi¬ 
nese Tartary are probably as elevated. 
The low plains consist generally of sand, 
gravel, and shells : such is that along the 
eastern part of the southern states, those 
on the north of the Caspian Sea, and on 
the south of the Baltic, the Delta of Egypt, 
and the valley of the Amazon. 

281. Deserts. 

The most remarkable deserts are Saha¬ 
ra, Cobi, and Atacama. There are exten¬ 
sive deserts also in Beloochistan, Persia, 
Siberia, and Arabia. 

282. Caverns. 

There are numerous caverns or fissures 
in the earth, particularly in calcareous re¬ 
gions. Most of these seem to owe their 
formation either to the retiring or sinking 
of the earth. Some of these caverns are 





282 


GENERA! VIEW OF THE WORLD 


of prodigious extent. The depth of that 
near Castleton, in England, has not been 
ascertained, though sounded by a line of 
nine thousand six hundred feet. Near 
Frederickshall, in Norway, there is a hole 
into which, if stones are tlirown, they ap¬ 
pear to be two minutes before they reach 
the bottom, from which it is concluded 
that the dejitli is upwards of 11,000 feet. 
The most curious caverns are those which 
present crystals suspended from the roof 
or lying on the ground, assuming various 
fantastic forms, and often presenting tlie 
images of animals and vegetables. Tlie 
Grotto of Antiparos, one of the Greek is¬ 
lands, is the most celebrated cave of this 
kind. When lighted up by torches, it 
presents a scene of inconceivable splendor. 
Some caves contain petrified bones ; these 
are the remains of animals, which have 
been buried by the convulsions of nature. 
There are caverns which contain deep 
pits of water, or wells ; some of these are 
the sources of rivers, others are known to 
receive very considerable streams, which 
lose themselves in the abyss. There are 
caverns in Norwaj', where you can hear 
the roar of invisible waters beneath your 
feet. The most magnificent of all the 
known caverns, is that called Fingal’s 
Cave, in the isle of Staffa, on the western 
coast of Scotland. Thousands of majes¬ 
tic columns of basalt support a lofty roof, 
under which the sea rolls its waves, while 
the vastness of the entrance allows the 
light of day to penetrate the various re¬ 
cesses of the cave. 

283. Geolooy. 

To whatever depth excavations have 
been made in different countries, they 
have uniformly shown that the solid parts 
of the earth are composed of strata, or lay¬ 
ers of earth, and rock of different kinds. 
These strata are thrown one upon another, 
in almost every possible position. Some 
of them are horizontal ; others vertical, 
an-'i others inclined at various angles. 

Those beds or strata, which are found 
at the greatest depths to which man has 
been able to penetrate, are called primary, 
and are supposed to have been formea 
first. Those strata which are found lying 
upon primary rocks, and contain the re¬ 
mains of animals and vegetables, are sup¬ 
posed to have been formed at a subsequent 
period, and are called secondary. Those 
beds usually found reposing upon second¬ 
ary strata, composed of fragments of both 
primary and secondary rocks, are called 
tertiary or alluvial formations, and are 
supposed to be of more recent origin than 
the two latter classes. 

284. Springs. 

Sprinss are small reservoirs, which re¬ 
ceive their waters from the neighboring 
ground throutrh small channels, and which 
are usually discharged by overflowing. 
The origin of springs must be referred to 


various causes; among these the niost 
common are tlie falling of rain and dew, 
and the melting of ice and snow. .Moun¬ 
tains attract the fogs and clouds whicli float 
around them ; conseipiently more rain and 
snow fall upon them than upon the plains. 
The waters descend forming innumerable 
streams, some in the shape of rivers, and 
others in the form of springs. 

Spouting springs are formed by having 
their source considerably elevated above 
the aperture at which they issue. They 
are constructed on the same principle as 
artificial fountains—the columns of water 
being thrown upwards by the pressure 
from above. Hot spouting springs doubt¬ 
less obey the same laws, the water being 
heated by volcanic masses in the earth. 
Boiling springs are found in various coun¬ 
tries. Periodical or intermitting springs 
are very curious works of nature. At 
Como, in Italy, there is one which rises 
and falls every hour. There is a spring 
in Provence, in France, which ri-ses eight 
times in an hour, and another in Langue¬ 
doc, the period of whose elevation each 
day, is fifty minutes later than thepreced- 
isg day. England furnishes examples of 
several springs which rise and fall with 
the ebb and flow of the sea. 

285. Glaciers. 

Glaciers, which crown the tops of the 
highest mountains, have a close connexion 
with the origin of springs. The snows 
which have accumulated for whole centu¬ 
ries, sink down and are consolidated by 
alternate thaws and frosts, fl'lius the tops 
of the mountains are covered with ice: 
these masses gradually extend, and the 
high valleys become filled. The masses 
continuing to increase sometimes for a se¬ 
ries of years, even extend to the lower 
parts of the mountains. Tliey have in 
Switzerland filled up whole valleys, buri¬ 
ed villages, and shut up the pass between 
Le Valais and the Canton of Berne. The 
scenes which these bodies of ice present 
to the traveller, are various and striking ; 
sometimes they resemble the waves of the 
sea ; again they appear like mirrors of 
brilliant glass. Here a thousand spire® 
glitter in the sunshine; sometimes they 
assume the appearance of ruins fallen and 
crushed ; and again vast pyramids and 
obelisks are presented to the astonished 
beholder. 

These glaciers are of essential service 
in furnishing to the adjacent regions, 
slowly and in almost a regular manner, 
waters which without this congelation 
tvould be precipitated with impetuosity 
from the heights of the mountains, so as 
to overflow and devastate the countries 
which they now fertilize. 

286. Streams, Rivers, Torrents, Rivu 

LETS. 

The effusions of springs and the flow¬ 
ings of melted ice form little currents 


GENERAL VIEW OF THE WORLD 


more or tesa gentle, which are termed 
rivulets. The water of great rains falls 
with more rapidity, and furrows the sides 
of the mountains by i)n])etuous irregular 
torrents. The union of these currents form 
streams, which, following the declivity of 
the ground, unite most frequently in a 
great canal, which takes the name of river, 
and conveys to the ocean the collected 
tribute of the earth. The declivities, 
whence flow the streams and rivulets 
which discharge themselves into one par¬ 
ticular river, are called the basin of that 
river. 

Many great rivers flow with very little 
descent. The Amazon has only ten and 
a half feet declivity in 600 miles. A sub¬ 
lime phenomenon is exhibited at the 
mouth of this river when its waters meet 
the flowing tide coining in from the ocean ; 
a liquid mountain is raised to the height 
of 180 feet. The shock of the two bodies 
of water is so great as to make alt the 
neighboring islands tremble; the fisher¬ 
men a-nd navigators fly from it in the ut¬ 
most terror. At the time when the tides 
are highest, the river also seems to re- 
I double its power and energy. The con- 
j . tending waters rush against each other 
' tike the onset of two armies. The banks 
are inundated with their foaming waves. 

, The rocks, drawn along like light vessels, 
dash against each other almost on the sur¬ 
face of the water which bears them on. 
i This scene is attended with loud roarings 
I which echo from island to island. 

287. Cataracts and Cascades 
1 Rivers which descend from primitive 
I mountains into the secondary lands, often 
] form cascades and cataracts. Such are the 
I cataracts of the Nile, the Ganges, and 
other great rivers. Cataracts are some¬ 
times formed by lakes. Of this descrip- 
I tion are the celebrated falls of Niagara, 

I the most stupendous cataract in the world. 

I The elevation of cataracts has generally 
: been exaggerated. That of Tequendama, 

1 which used to be considered 1,500 feet in 
I height, was found by Humboldt, not quite 
I 600. That of Staubback, in Switzerland, 

J usually rated at 1,400, is found to be only 
900. 

j 288. The Sea. 

The ocean, by its exhalations, supplies 
the air with moisture, which is collected 
into clouds, and then descends upon the 
mountains, valleys, and plains. By this 
means it feeds the rivers, and sustains ve¬ 
getation. Without the kindly influence 
of these vapors, which every moment es¬ 
cape from the surface of the sea, all the 
earth would languish like a desert. The 
drying up of the ocean, whether slow or 
rapid, would probably be sufficient to re¬ 
duce all organized nature to a state of an¬ 
nihilation. 

The ocean, by affording increased facili¬ 
ties for commerce, secures the advantages 


283 

of neighborhood to nations which from 
their locality appear to be separated for¬ 
ever. The bottom of the sea seeing to 
have inequalities like the land ; so that if 
it were dried up, it would exhibit iiicmii 
tains, valleys, and plains. There are 
some places in the sea where no bottom 
has yet been found. The greatest depth 
which lias been measured is'4,680 feet. It 
is probable that the utmost depths of the 
ocean do not exceed the height of the lofti¬ 
est mountains. 

It is easier to perceive the great advan¬ 
tages arising from the saltness of sea-wa¬ 
ter than to discover its origin. Without 
this saltness, and without the agitation in 
which its waves are constantly kept, the 
ocean would become tainted. It is re¬ 
markable that the saltness of the sea is 
less toward the poles, than under the 
equator. 

The green and yellow shades of the 
ocean arise from marine plants. The 
sparkling of the sea at night presents 
an imposing spectacle. A vessel, while 
ploughing her way through the billows, 
often appears to mark out a furrow of fire , 
sometimes every stroke of the oar of a 
boat emits a light either brilliant and daz¬ 
zling, or tranquil and pearly. This won¬ 
derful phenomenon is supposed to be pro¬ 
duced, at least in part, by multitudes of 
small phosphorescent animals that live in 
the water. 

289. Tides. 

Every person who has been upon the 
seacoast, has observed that the water 
rises and sinks at regular intervals. This 
fluctuation of the sea is called the tide. 
It is a phenomenon which is observed in 
every part of the world where the ocean 
extends. Every twelve hours the water 
is high, and is then called high tide. 
Every twelve hours it is low, and is then 
called low tide. Thus the tide ebbs and 
flows throughout nearly all the coasts and 
shores washed by the sea, twice in twen¬ 
ty-four hours. This astonishing move¬ 
ment of the waters of the ocean is of the 
greatest importance. It keeps that ele¬ 
ment in constant motion, without which 
it would stagnate and become putrid, and 
render the world uninhabitable. 

The cause of these periodical fluctua¬ 
tions is no less astonishing than the fact 
itself. It is well known th.at all masses 
of matter mutually attract each other 
The moon revolves around the earth once 
in twenty-four hours. As it passes over 
the surface of the ocean it attracts the wa¬ 
ter, which is slightly elevated towards it , 
the moon proceeds on its way, and the wa¬ 
ters drawn along by it are formed into a 
current; they break upon the shores, and 
are heaped up so as to form a tide usually 
of several feet in heicht. 

While the water is thus attracted and 
heaped up on one side of JJie earth, it is ax 



284 


GENERAL VIEW CF THE WORLD 


the same time elevated on the opposite side 
of the earthj causing a tide there also. 
This latter circumstance is occasioned by 
two causes, which cannot be satisfactorily 
explained without a further investigation 
of astronomy, than can be made here. It 
may be added, however, that the attrac¬ 
tion of the sun exerts considerable influ¬ 
ence on the tide. 

The tides vary in different parts of the 
earth; they are generally highest toward 
Ihe equator, and are scarcely perceptible 
toward the poles. In the British channel 
ihey sometimes rise to the elevation of 30 
or 40 feet. In the bay of Fundy they are 
said sometimes to rise more than fifty feet, 
and to flow in with such rapidity as to 
overtake and drown the cattle which 
chance to be along the shores. The ordi¬ 
nary tides at New-York and Boston rise 6 
or 8 feet. 

290. Currents in the Ocean. 

Besides tides, the ocean is subject to 
currents. Between the tropics and as far 
as 30 degrees north and south of the equa¬ 
tor, there is a continual movement of the 
waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans 
from east to west. Navigators frequently 
take advantage of this current. A second 
movement of the waters is observed from 
the poles toward the equator. This is ex¬ 
plained by supposing that the heat of the 
sun causes great evaporation at the equa¬ 
tor ; this exhaustion is supplied by the 
constant melting of ice at the poles. It is 
the flowing of this supply, which gives a 
general tendency of the mass of water to¬ 
ward the equator. 

The motion of the waters from east to 
west is accounted for in various ways, 
none of which seem to be very satisfac¬ 
tory. The gulf stream, which we have 
before noticed, is occasioned by this west¬ 
ern current. There are also various other 
currents in the ocean, some of which are 
very useful to navigators. 

291. Winds. 

Wind is the air in motion. Various 
causes operate to produce wind, the prin¬ 
cipal of whicli is heat. This, by expand¬ 
ing that portion of the atmosphere which 
is subjected to its influence, renders it 
lighter. Accordingly it ascends, and the 
colder or heavier air rushes in to fill up 
the vacuum. This sets in motion a co¬ 
lumn of air, and produces wind. The in¬ 
fluence of the sun, the reflection of heat 
from the earth, and various other causes, 
produce those agitations of the air, some 
of them gentle, and some violent, which 
pass under the various names of breeze, 
gale, hurricane, &c. A gentle wind or 
breeze traverses 10 feet in a second ; a 
fresh breeze 16 feet in a second ; a strong 
wind, or stiff breeze, 24 feet in a second ; 
a gale 35 feet in a second ; a storm, 43 j a 
violent storm, .54; a hurricane of the tem¬ 
perate zone, 60 j of the torrid zone, 120 to 


292. Climate and Seasons. 

Climate comprehends the degrees of 
heat and cold, the drought, moisture, and 
salubrity, that occur in any given region 
of the earth. The principal causes which 
affect climate are the following:—1st, the 
action of the sun upon the atmosphere; 
2d, elevation above the level of the ocean ; 
3d, sloping of the land, and exposure to 
the sun and wind ; 4th, neighborhood of 
seas j 5th, nature of the soil j Gth, state of 
culivation j 7th, prevalent winds. 

293. Vegetables. 

The empire of vegetation embraces the 
whole globe from pole to pole, and from 
the summit of the Andes, where the 
lichen creeps over the hardest rocks, to the 
bottom of the ocean, where floating fields 
of plants rise unseen. Cold and heat, 
light and shade, fertile lands and pathless 
deserts, every place, every temperature, 
has its own kind of vegetation, which 
thrives and prospers there. There are 
plants, which even ramify upon the dark 
vaults of mines, and upon the walls of 
the deepest caverns. 

294. Animals. 

The animal kingdom presents a vast 
and varied field, at which we can only 
cast a glance. Every department of na¬ 
ture, the earth, air, and sea, is full of ani¬ 
mated beings ; some of them seem nearly 
allied to vegetables and minerals. From 
these we may ascend in the scale, through 
an almost infinite series of existences, up 
to man, who constitutes the highest in the 
animal kingdom. Among the most re¬ 
markable animals, we may mention the 
coral insects, which are chiefly found in 
equatorial regions. These creatures, so 
minute as scarcely to be perceived by the 
naked eye, exist in the sea, in such in¬ 
conceivable numbers, and labor with such 
activity, as to construct vast beds of coral, 
which at length raise their tops above the 
water: thus immense islands are gradu¬ 
ally built in the bosom of the ocean, by in^ 
significant insects. 

295. Man. 

The various nations of mankind may 
be reduced to five original races or types. 
Tlie first is called the European races and 
occupies Western Asia, Eastern and 
Northern Africa, Hindoostan, and Europe, 
and embraces the white inhabitants of 
America. This race is sometimes called 
the Caucasian, it being imagined that it 
originated near the mountains of Cauca¬ 
sus. The principal nations embraced in 
this class are the Europeans and their 
American descendants, the Arabs, Moors, 
Turks, Hindoos, and Abyssinians. They 
•tre distinguished by the following pecu¬ 
liarities. The skin more or less white or 
brown, the cheeks tinged with red, long 
hair, either light or brown, the head round, 
the face oval and narrow, tlie forehead 


2^5 


GENERAL VI EW OF THE W GUi. O 


smooth, live nose slightly arched, and the 
moutl) small. 

The second variety is the Tartar or 
Mongul, and includes all the nations in 
Asia, east of tlie (ianges, excepting Ma¬ 
lacca. It embraces also the Laplanders 
and Finns, in Europe, and the Esqui¬ 
maux, from Behring’s Straits to Green¬ 
land, in America. The characteristics 
are a yellow skin, black straight hair, the 
head square, the face large and flat, the 
nose small and flat, the cheeks round and 
prominent, and the chin pointed. 

The third, or American variety, consist¬ 
ing of the aborigines of the western con¬ 
tinent, are of a copper color, have hair 
black and straight, forehead low, eyes 
sunk, nose almost flat, tlie cheek bones 
very prominent, and the face large. There 
is considerable resemblance between this 
and the preceding variety. 

The fourth race is that of the Malay, 
comprehending the inhabitants of the pe¬ 
ninsula of Malacca, and the islands of the 
Pacific Ocean, with the exception of New'- 
Holland, New-Guinea, New-Caledonia, 
and Van Diemen’s Land. The following 
are its characteristics: a tawny color, the 
hair black, soft, thick, abundant, and 
curled, the forehead bulging out, the nose 
thick, wide, and flattened, the mouth 
large, and the upper jaws a little project¬ 
ing. 

'J'he fifth race is that of the negro, 

1 which is spread over all Western and 
Southern Africa. It is found also upon 
the coasts of Madagascar, and occupies 
New-Holland, Van Diemen’s Land, New- 
j Caledonia, and New-Guinea. Tiie char- 
i acteristics are, color black, hair black and 
woolly, head narrow and compressed on 
i each side, the forehead very convex and 
arched, the cheek bones projecting, the 
nose large and flat, lips thick, the chin 
drawn in, and the legs crooked. 

Of these five races the Caucasian de¬ 
serves to be considered the first. Not 
j only is the countenance more beautiful, 
but the intellectual and moral endow¬ 
ments of this race are of a higher character. 
Whenever they have met with the other 
races, they have ultimately prevailed. 
They have excelled all others in literature 
and the arts, and seem to have given birth 
to most of the valuable institutions of hu¬ 
man society. 

296. LArfouAGB. 

Man is the only animal that has a ra¬ 
tional and articulate language. The va¬ 
rious languages on the globe, including the 
dialects, are very numerous. In America, 
among the natives, no less than 1,200 have 
been found. In Africa, 270; in Europe, 
545; in Asia and the .South Sea Islands, 
091. 'J’he whole number is 3,026. 

.\11 these may be reduced to about 80 
original languages, of which the others 
are only branclieii Soine of these, par¬ 


ticularly those used by enlightened na¬ 
tions, are very copious, and li'ave forms of 
expression for every shade of thought and 
feeling. 

297. Religion. 

All nations, even the most savage, ap¬ 
pear to believe in the existence of some 
invisible beings, possessed of power supe 
rior to man. 'I'he various luetliods ic 
which nations manifest this belief, con 
stitute so many different religions ; the ex 
ternal acts, which are the results of such 
religious belief, form modes of worship 
The several religions of mankind may be 
reduced to two classes:—Polytheism, the 
belief in many gods, and Monotheism, the 
belief in one God. Of the latter, there are 
three branches—Judaism, or the religion 
of the Jews, Mahometanism, and Christ¬ 
ianity. 

Of Polytheism there are many branches 
the believers in which are generally called 
Pagans, or Heathens. Under this name 
may be classed all those religious schemes 
of belief, in which the attributes of the 
Deity are personified as separate divine 
beings. 

The religion of some savage nations 
consists only of certain absurd supersti¬ 
tious notions, some of them derived from 
the preceding systems, and others appa¬ 
rently the invention of their priests. In 
general, it may be remarked, that all these 
various schemes are characterized by the 
grossest absurdity in their doctrines and 
ceremonies. 'I’he practical morality of 
them all is of the lowest and coarsest kind, 
and their effect is uniformly to debase the 
mind and corrupt the Jieart. No elevat¬ 
ing and purifying principle pervades them, 
and their only use seems to be that of fur¬ 
nishing knavish and designing priests 
with the means of deceiving and ruling 
their deluded followers. The whole num¬ 
ber of Pagans in the world is probably 
about 500,000,000, including the greatest 
part of the human race. 

Judaism is the religion of the Jews, and 
is divided into two sects, the Karaites, 
who acknowledge, as divine only the 
books of the Old Testament, and the Rah- 
binists, who attribute an authority almost 
divine to the collection known under the 
name of the Talmud. The Jews are scat¬ 
tered throughout Europe, and many parts 
of Asia, Africa, and America. Their whole 
number is supposed to be about 3,000,000. 

Christianity is divided into three por¬ 
tions—the Greek or Christian church, 
which is established by law in Russia, 
prevails in Greece, Hungary, and jiart of 
Turkey, and embraces 70,000,000 tif peo- 
p)e. 'i'he Roman Catholic, Latin or West¬ 
ern church, maintains the supremacy of 
the Pope, prevails in many parts of Eu 
rope, and has a considerable number of 
followers in North America. In some of 
the^jyest India Islands, in Mexico, Guae 



286 


GENERAL VIEW OF THE WORLD. 


timala, and South America, it is the esta¬ 
blished religion. The whole number of 
Cacholics may be estimated at 116,000,000. 

Tlie protestants are those who protest 
against the Pope, and take the bible of the 
Old and New Testament as their guide. 
They are divided into many sects, of 
which the principal are Lutherans, Me¬ 
thodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, 
Baptists, Q,uakers, Unitarians, and Uni- 
versalists. The protestant religion, in its 
various forms, prevails in the United 
States, England, Scotland, Wales, Hol¬ 
land, and some other European countries. 
The whole number is estimated at 
54,000,000. 

298. Christian Missions. 

It is one of the characteristics of the 
present day, that exertions are making in 
Christian countries to disseminate Christ¬ 
ianity in heathen lands, and through its 
intiuence to civilize savage and barbarous 
nations. Every benevoienl mind must 
look with favor upon all judicious at¬ 
tempts to substitute the purifying worship 
of the “ One Living and True God,” for 
the debasing idolatries which man has in¬ 
vented, and to exchange the cruel and 
comfortless habits of savage life, for tlie 
happier condition that attends the civiliz¬ 
ed state. 

The efforts of the missionaries in vari¬ 
ous countries, have not yet been, on the 
whole, attended with full success ; but 
enough has been done to justify the con¬ 
clusion, that the Christian nations have it 
in their power to diffuse their religious 
and their civil institutions over the whole 
earth. The time is probably not very dis¬ 
tant, when the true method of conducting 
missions in heathen lands will be discov¬ 
ered, and when the people of Christendom 
will become convinced of the practicabili¬ 
ty and the importance of their effecting a 
moral renovation of the globe. When 
this is done, the accomplishment of the 
anticipated event cannot be far remote. 

In the atlas will be found a list of some 
of the principal missionary stations in 
various parts of the globe, 

299. Political Divisions. 

In looking on the map, we observe two 
kinds of divisions pointed out on its sur¬ 
face. One kind are those formed by the 
Creator, and separated on the face of the 
globe into land and w<ater; the other con ¬ 
sists of the boundaries between nations, 
and are formed by man. The former, call¬ 
ed natural divisions, we have already con¬ 
sidered in our view of physical geography. 
The latter, denominated civil or political 
divisions, are the subject of our present 
attention. A comparative view of the 
principal political divisions on the globe 
will be found in the atlas, 

300. Population of the Globe, 

A table of the population of the ^obe 
will be found in the atlas. 


301. Habitations. 

The ordinary habitations of a people 
are an almost infallible index of the de¬ 
gree of civilisation at 'which they have 
arrived. The human race may be divided 
into four cla.sses, according to the four 
kinds of habitations which loliow. 1st 
Caverns in the rocks or under ground. 
There are only a few scattered tribes who 
live in this manner, 2d. Huts formed of 
earth, branches of trees, stones, or some 
other substances, either in a natural state, 
or coarsely wrought. A large portion of 
the human race live in this manner. 3d. 
Tents; these moveable dwellings, in the 
opinion of wandering pastoral tribes, are 
preferable to palaces. This species of 
habitation is common in Central and 
Northern Asia, Arabia, and parts of Afri¬ 
ca, 4th. Well built houses. The mate¬ 
rials of which those are built, are different 
in different countries. In the country 
towuis of North America, they are gene¬ 
rally constructed of wood. In the cities, 
of wood and brick. In the cities of South 
America, of brick and stone. In the 
south of Europe, of brick, of stone, both 
rough and hewn, and of marble. In the 
north of Europe, of brick, stone, and 
wood. 

302. Food—Drink. 

The food of different nations v.aries as 
much as any other circumstance belonging 
to their manners. All civilized nations 
are alike in dressing meat and vegetables 
by fire. Savage and barbarous nations 
have also some rude methods of prejiaring 
tlieir food by cookery. The food of most 
nations consists of fiesh, fish, and vege¬ 
tables. There are some tribes, however, 
who subsist exclusively on one of these. 
The taste for horse-flesh seems peculiar to 
the Tartars and Finns. In Africa, there 
are some tribes ivho eat locusts. Some of 
the South American tribes devour a spe¬ 
cies of clay. The horrible custom of eat¬ 
ing human flesh does not belong exclusive¬ 
ly to any nation. Most savage tribes are 
addicted to it, either from the'impulses of 
a ferocious hatred to their enemies, an at¬ 
rocious superstition, or in consequence of 
extreme want. 3'lie practice obtains in 
the greater part of the nations of Africa, 
Australasia, and in some of the tribes of 
America. 

The desire of procuring a momentary 
elevation of spirits, has caused the inven¬ 
tion, amongst all nations, of intoxicating 
liquors, or drugs. In civilized countries, 
distilled spirits of various kinds, such as 
brandy, rum, gin, whisky, procured either 
from the grape, sugar-cane, grain, or ap¬ 
ples, are the most common. In other 
countries they have various kinds of in¬ 
toxicating drinks. In the temperate parts 
of North America, cider is a common 
beverage. In England, malt liquors, such 
as beer, ale, and porter, are drank to a 


GENERAL VIEW OF THE WORLD ^87 


great extent. In the southern countries 
of Europe, wine is used as freely as we 
use cider. It is remarkable, that in wine 
countries the people are generally tempe¬ 
rate. The Mahometans are forbidden, by 
their religion, to drink wine; the Turks 
substitute sherbet, <a drink resembling le¬ 
monade. They indulge freely in the use 
of opium, and intoxicate themselves with 
It. In general, it may be observed, that 
the excessive use of ardent spirits prevails 
most in northern countries. 

303. Dress. 

The first object of dress is to secure the 
borly against the weather j it afterwards 
becomes also a matter of ornament and 
display. The custom of painting the body, 
by imprinting or marking figures on the 
skin, indicates the infancy of civilisation, 
and the first workings of vanity. In the 
rude stages of society, the undressed skins 
of beasts are a sulficient covering. As 
the age of refinement advances, more deli¬ 
cate and costly materials are required. 
Fashion comes, at length, to establish its 
dominion, and a multitude of arts spring 
up to satisfy its demands. Manufactories 
are founded, and thousands obtain a liv¬ 
ing by administering to the new wants, 
created by the artificial taste of society 
There is one general fact worthy of notice 
in respect to the dress of nations on the 
eastern continent. In Europe, the clothes 
are fitted closely to the body ; in Asia, the 
dress is almost universally loose and tiow- 
ing. 

304. Classes of Nations. 

Nations may be distributed into three 
general classes : savage, barbarous, or half 
civilized, and civilized. Savages are 
those nations who are destitute of the art 
ofwriting, and whose vague and unsteady 
ideas are attached only to objects w'hich 
strike their senses. They delight to adorn 
their persons in a manner w hich to us ap¬ 
pears ridiculous; they are passionately 
fond of bodily exercise, and in this re¬ 
spect greatly surpass us. Their industry 
is generally confined to a little gardening, 
fishing, and the chase. Some few of tliem, 
however, produce beautiful specimens of 
workmanship, in a few^ simple manufac¬ 
tures j and the rich among them have 
even elegant and commodious habita¬ 
tions. 

'J’he class of barbarians comprehends 
those nations that have emerged from the 
savage state, and have not yet reached a 
civilized condition. These nations pos¬ 
sess the art ofwriting, have usually some 
written laws, and a religion expressed in 
ceremonial observances. They have gen¬ 
erally established forms of government, 
and possess some arts. They have, how¬ 
ever, little regard for the rights of human¬ 
ity—possess many cruel customs-—are des¬ 
titute of virtue and moral principle, and 


have little other guide for their conduct 
than their i)assions. 

Civilized nations are those which hav« 
arranged their knowledge in the form o« 
sciences ; which practice the arts of sculp¬ 
ture and painting ; which possess books 
in various departments of literature ; and 
which have a fixed system of legislation, 
policy, and war ; nations in which Chris¬ 
tianity displays its proper influence, in the 
purification and elevation of public mor¬ 
als ; nations which recognise the great 
principles of national law, and respect, in 
time of war, the property of defenceless 
citizens. 

305. The Earth considered as a Ce¬ 
lestial Body. 

We have hitherto been engaged in con¬ 
sidering the various objects which occu¬ 
py the surface of tiie earth. Let us direct 
our attention a few moments, to another 
subject of contemplation. If we look up¬ 
ward, we observe a blue vault stretched 
over our heads, which at night is illumin¬ 
ated by a multitude of stars. If we go to 
Europe, we observe the same wonderful 
display above us. If we travel to Arabia, 
or China, or the islands of the Pacific, or 
to the Polar regions, wherever we may 
go, still the sky is over us, and the sun, 
moon, and stars, shine down upon us 
The earth is evidently swung in the air 
like a ball, supported by no foundation, 
and only kept in its place by the power of 
an Almighty Being. 

If we keej) our attention fixed upon our 
earth and the heavenly bodies, we shall 
soon discover that several of them are in 
motion. The moon revolves around the 
globe. Some of the stars change their 
places. The sun itself is observed to 
turn round. If we investigate still fur¬ 
ther, we shall discover that these brilliant 
orbs, which occupy the heavens, are all of 
them worlds, some of them larger and 
some smaller, all moving in their appoint¬ 
ed courses, and all fulfilling the will of 
the Almighty Architect, who made them. 

The study of the heavenly bodies is call¬ 
ed astronomy: geography, strictly speak¬ 
ing, is a description of the earth. Howev¬ 
er interesting and wonderful the subject of 
astronomy may be, w'e can only attend to 
it here, so far as may be necessary to com¬ 
plete our view of the globe we inhabit. 

The sun is an immense body of mat¬ 
ter, 883,009 miles in diameter, and more 
than a million times larger than our earth. 
It turns round on its axis once in 25 days. 
It revolves also in a small circular orbit in 
the same time. 

There are seven planets or worlds, all 
at great distances from the sun, and re¬ 
volve around it. Our earth is one of those. 
It passes in an immense circle round the 
sun once a year, thus causing by its dif¬ 
ferent situations, at different times, with 
respect to the sun, the power of light and 


288 


GENERAL VIEW OF THE WORL-D 


heat, the various seasons of spring, sum¬ 
mer, autumn, and winter. The earth also 
revolves upon its own axis once in 24 
hours, thus causing day and night. 

The six other planets are Mercury, Ve¬ 
nus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Herschel. 
Most of these can be seen at night with 
the naked eye, and are the large stars, 
which shine with a steady light. Tliree 
of these are larger, and three smaller than 
our earth. They revolve round the sun 
at different distances, and complete their 
revolutions in different periods of time. 
Each of these turns around upon its own 
axis. 

The following table exhibits the various 
dimensions and motions of these seven 


planets, 
the sun. 

wiUi the 

distances 

of each from 

Distances from Sun. Diameters. Period. 

Mercury 

37 millions. 3180 miles. 88 days. 

Venus 

69 

7500 

224 

Earth 

95 

7928 

365 

Mars 

144 

5400 

687 

Jupiter 

490 

89,400 

4332 

Saturn 

900 

78,000 

10,000 

Hersc’l. 1800 

35,109 

30,737 


Besides these seven primary planets, 
there are 18 others called secondary, and 
revolve around the other planets. The 
moon is one of these, and being attached 
to our earth, attends it in all its motions, 
and revolves around it once in about a 
nionth. Jupiter has four moons, which 
attend it, and revolve around it, in a sim¬ 
ilar manner. Herschel has six, and Sa¬ 
turn seven. Saturn has also a vast lu¬ 
minous ring around it, besides its seven 
moons. 

Besides these primary planets and their 
eighteen satellites, there are four small 
orbs revolving around the sun, called As¬ 
teroids. Their names are Ceres, Pallas, 
Juno and Vesta. They have recently 
been discovered, and but little is known 
concerning them. Pallas is about as large 
as the moon, which is 50 times less than 
our earth. 

To these various luminaries attendant 
upon the sun, we must add Comets, which 
are occasionally seen in the heavens, with 
luminous trains or tails. Four or five 
hundred of them have been discovered at 
different times. They revolve around the 
sun. approach very near to it, and then 
fly off into the boundless reiiions of space, 
and do not return until after an interval 
of many years. One of them is supposed 
to be 575 years in performing its course in 


its orbit. In 1811 a comet appeared f 
lated to be about as large as the eart ,, 
tail was computed to be eleven m 
of miles in length. 

Thus it appears thtit seven p 
planets, attended by 18 moons or sat- 
besides the ring of Saturn, and thi 
roids and comets, revolve around tl „ 
which is the centre of their m V- 
These constitute the Solar Systen 
afford an inexhaustible subject of s 
the astronomer. All these worlds jj 
from the sun their light and heat, it 
pear to be kept in their places by th 
attraction. 

Of the other luminaries, which ai 
in the heavens, we know but little. . ' 
are called fixed stars, because they , 
seem to change their places. The 
be distinguished from the planets b _? 
glimmering light. They are undoi ’ 
all of them vast worlds, shining li 
sun by their own light, and attende 
by its own system of planets, sai 
and comets. Yet such is the inco; ’ 
ble distance, that a telescope, that 
ties several hundred times, does m j 
ble the astronomer to penetrate th- 
tery of their existence. No more 
thousand can be seen at any one t 
the naked eye, on a clear night ' 
brightest are supposed to he those t 
nearest; but Sirius, the most consf 
of the fixed stars, is at least 32 r ' 
of millions of miles distant. 

The fixed stars are so W'onderfr 
merous, that the famous astronom 
schel calculated that in a small po 
the milky way he saw 116,000. 
sition of 60,000 have been exactly 
ed. There are 20 of the largest si 
ed stars of the first maenitiide, 
the second macnitude, 205 of tin 
483 of the fourth, 648 of the fift 
about 1.500 of the sixth magnitude, b. 
that can be seen by the naked ey - 

all sides of the earth. The others . 
seen by a telescope only. 

We must now close our view 
earth. We began at the place win 
live, and have pursued our investig 
from the minute sands that are sea 
over the hills and plains, to the 
which perform their mighty evolutiatis 
the sky. We have learned enough to 
isfy us that the field of human knowleu; < 
is rich, varied, and extensive, hut • 
grand and sublime truths yet lie b< 
the reach of humaa penetration. 


AU6 24I94J 


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